Ganesh Ramsumair

Ganesh Ramsumair is the protagonist of the novel. He was born in the country of Trinidad, where he lives throughout the narrative. Ganesh is Hindu of India heritage. The novel does not give exposition regarding Ganesh’s childhood or upbringing, but he appears to come from a financially stable background, relative to the generally impoverished country of Trinidad. Ganesh attends college and studies to be a teacher, but he quickly becomes disinterested in the teaching profession.

After Ganesh quits the teaching profession and returns to his hometown of Fourways, he marries Leela, the daughter of local shop owner Ramlogan. Ganesh decides to become a masseur and a spiritualist. He reads many books and begins attempting to write his own books. He eventually becomes well known as a religious healer and as the writer of his autobiography, The Years of Guilt. Ganesh uses his clout in the community...