Chapters 1-4 Summary

In Chapter 1, the reader is introduced to Abdullah, a young carpet seller in a Bazaar in Zanzib.

The story begins: "Far to the south in the land of Ingary, in the Sultanates of Rashpuht, a young carpet merchant called Abdullah lived in the city of Zanzib. As merchants go, he was not rich. His father had been disappointed in him, and when he died, he had only left Abdullah just enough money to buy and stock a modest booth in the northwest corner of the Bazaar" (Chapter 1, p. 1).

Abdullah is constantly reminded by his deceased father's family that he is an embarrassment. They also treat him as an ignorant child and make monthly visits to the Bazaar to chastise Abdullah, criticize him, and give unwanted advice. Abdullah has no love for his father's family, mainly his father's first wife's sister, Fatima...