"The Life and Times of Michael K" is a novel by South African author J.M. Coetzee, published in 1983. The story follows Michael K, a man born with a cleft lip, as he navigates a war-torn South Africa. He embarks on a journey to return his ailing mother to her rural home, facing numerous challenges along the way. The novel explores themes of identity, survival, and the impact of apartheid. Through Michael's experiences, Coetzee examines the struggles of individuals in a society marked by political turmoil and social injustice, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit.