Chapters 36-40 Summary and Analysis

The chapter titled Mkushi reveals that Zambia has been independent since October 1964. There is only one political party, and the country is currently ruled by President Kenneth Kaunda, or KK, a non-drinking son of a missionary. He often gives public speeches about the importance of love, tolerance and reconciliation. Critics of his government are tortured and killed. The occasional ill-fated coup is suppressed, quickly and violently.

The fertile Serioes Farm is three to six hours from the impoverished town of Lusaka, depending upon the condition of the roads. In this part of Zambia, one in three people has AIDS, and one in six has tuberculosis. The family must pass four roadblocks just to get to the farm. At each roadblock, they can show passports and face a long delay, or simply bribe the guards with cash, cigarettes, soap or...