Summary

Part II of the novel begins right away with the death of Duyole Pitan-Payne. This plot point is not withheld for even a moment, as chapter nineteen is entitled “The Discreet Funeral of the Bourgeoisie” (447). Duyole makes it to Salzburg alive but dies after his third day in intensive care there. The Pitan-Payne clan is at a loss. Duyole was the lifeblood of the family. With his untimely departure from the world of the living strange changes in the family take place. Menka is flummoxed by all this. The Family, which Menka dubs the Otunba Quartet, moves decisively and with stubborn firmness to bury Duyole in Salzburg despite protestations from Duyole’s colleagues. Selina, Timi, Kikanmi and Otunba himself are...