The novel is set circa 1978, on a farm in the Hex River Valley at a time of social and political upheaval in South Africa. The Soweto pupils' uprising against the imposition of Afrikaans had taken place and in the Eastern Cape, Steve Biko had been brutally killed. "The Valley Awakes" is a fictional work set during this political time and historical moment.
Hennie Van As returns from college to teach at the farm school amidst much expectation. His city learning brings many new ideas to the wine growing farm workers that unleashes a maelstrom of rebellion and backlash beyond his control.

From within the escalating turmoil we gain perspectives from all vantage points within the valley, South Africa and the humanity.