Muharrem has been Matthew for so long that there are times when he feels as though holding on to his true name is little more than an exercise in futility. He wonders if, should the day ever come that he achieves his goal of making a name for himself – a name that is proudly his in every way – will he recognize the sound when it is called?

The idea of not trying however, tastes too much like defeat for Muharrem to accept. He entrusts his name to those who prove to be friendly with him on a consistent level in order to keep it alive, beyond the lips of his parents and the memories in his own mind.

It feels strangely like a secret in his own heart, which is all the more reason to rise in the ranks against all odds and despite all those who would prefer he stay low – out of sight and out of mind. And if he dreams of being Captain Muharrem Ben Ali one day, can he really be held in contempt for wanting more than the mere scraps offered to the colonized?