Chapter 8 Summary

While they wait to see the muvaki, Nhamo takes in the interesting people and goings on around the trading post. She watches Grandmother mourn and grieve, growing older every day, so she tries to convince Grandmother to come with her to hear the guitar player.

Finally Grandmother concedes and they go hear the music. People move aside for her, and the trader gives her stool to sit on. They enjoy the music and then Grandmother and the trader begin talking. Grandmother has a few beers. Talking to the trader seems to make her feel better. Grandmother ends up telling the trader all about Nhamo's father, a subject that has been taboo her entire life. Nhamo listens with great interest as Grandmother tells how her daughter Runako went away to Catholic school, met this boy, got married in a church without her parents' permission...