Chapter 42 Summary

Nhamo returns to Efifi for summer vacation. There, she is told a letter finally arrived from her village telling her that Grandmother has died, but Masvita has a new baby—now two children. Nhamo tries to imagine living back in her village, the drudgery of pounding mealies and hauling water, and the lack of books.

Dr. van Heerden and Dr. Masuku talk to Nhamo about her grandmother's gold nuggets, which are enough to support her for a long time. They advise her to open a bank account separate from the Jongwes in order to protect her funds. They tell her she can work in Efifi during the summers and make money which will be added to the account. Her mind is reeling with the suddenness of all this information, but she agrees. She knows they care about her and her future.

Then...