Poverty, it is often said, reduces one’s standing in society. This is the theme of the story in this book which vividly narrates how people in a certain village accorded not even the least respect to a couple because they were poor. Nevertheless, they worked hard to support their only son, Semanu, through school.

After school, the boy had a job with a very meagre salary. Through hard work, however, he managed to get to the very top post in his employment. Semanu’s new position had a very great effect on his parents’ position in the society. Eventually, when they passed away, he gave each of them a fitting burial.