Allan Batchelder
This beautiful novel tells the story of a boy's journey from childhood in/on the Transvaal to slavery (essentially). From there, he escapes and finds a home amongst some very forward-thinking people, and he becomes a part of their family over several decades. Through much of this story, the boy -- now a man -- must grapple with the oppression of apartheid. This is a topic I grew up hearing a lot about through South African playwright Athol Fugard, and Finding Penrose really fleshes out my understanding of the era, as well as my understanding of the trials and tribulations. In the end, this is a triumphant story of one man's quest for a home and himself. I loved it.