Point of View

The "Life & Times of Michael K" is told in the second person for most of the story (with the exception of parts of Chapter 2 which are written in the first person voice of K's doctor at Kenilworth). The point of view mostly presents Michael K's view of the world along with his perceptions, thoughts, and actions.

Setting

The main setting of the story takes place in apartheid era South Africa, sometime in the 1960's-1970's. The story moves between places such as the urban wasteland of Cape Town to the rural town of Prince Albert. All towns referenced in the book are real (the author lives in South Africa). During the novel, K travels from Cape Town east, through Paarl, Worcester, Touws River, and Laingsburg and finally arrive at Prince Albert. At the end of the story, K returns to Cape Town.

Language and Meaning

The...