"Life" begins in 1963, during a time when all citizens of Botswana living in South Africa were compelled to return to their homeland. Many of those sent back had made their homes in urban areas but were now returning to rural villages.

One such individual forced to return is Life. She had left her village at the age of ten, moving to Johannesburg with her parents. By the time Life returns, seventeen years later, her parents have passed away, but according to village customs, her family’s land remains unoccupied. The local women assist Life in tidying up her yard, which has been overtaken by weeds and tall grass, and the mud huts have fallen into disrepair. The women are impressed by Life’s sophistication and believe she will introduce new ideas to their community.

They also observe that Life possesses a considerable amount of money, which she spends generously on laborers. She claims that Johannesburg is abundant with wealth, and one only needs to know how to obtain it. The women listen to Life’s words with skepticism, as villagers generally believe that one cannot be both honest and wealthy. They assume Life will eventually adapt to the village way of life.

However, the women who initially welcomed Life soon begin to avoid her upon discovering she is engaging in prostitution. The villagers are not prudish—they have no issue with sexual activity, but they believe it should not be transactional.

As news of Life’s business spreads, women who brew beer start visiting her home. These women have numerous boyfriends who take advantage of them but are without husbands. Before long, Life’s yard starts to resemble a Johannesburg township, which the respectable villagers disapprove of.

A few months after her arrival, the village’s first pub opens, quickly becoming Life’s preferred location to conduct her business. One evening, Lesego, a cattleman, enters the bar. He has just returned from his cattle-post after a three-month stay. Lesego is well-respected in the village, known for his wealth, generosity, and clear thinking, often sought after for advice.

Life immediately takes notice of Lesego, attracted by his urban appearance and demeanor, as well as the respect shown to him by other men. Lesego also notices Life and commands her to sit with him, which she does. They gaze at each other, each seeing a distorted image: she perceives him as a powerful figure akin to the gangsters she knew in Johannesburg, while he views her as distinct from the other village women.

Lesego and Life leave the bar together, and a week later, they announce their marriage. Lesego's friends are devastated. Sianana, speaking on behalf of the men, tries to reveal the truth about Lesego's fiancée, but Lesego responds that Life has already admitted her "past." Life also shares the news with her friends who brew beer and vows to change her previous lifestyle.

After marrying, Lesego's life remains largely unchanged, but he establishes three rules for the household: he will manage the finances; he prefers not to have the radio playing all day; and Life must remain faithful, or he threatens to kill her. The neighbors approve of the marriage, believing Lesego has reformed Life into a respectable woman. However, the monotony of daily life begins to affect Life negatively. She soon realizes that marriage does not fulfill her and grows increasingly frustrated with her circumstances.

One day, Lesego needs to visit his cattle post. During his absence, Life reverts to her former habits. Upon Lesego's return three days later, Life goes to a neighbor's house for a rendezvous with another man. A neighbor informs Lesego of...