Chapters 20 - 32 Summary and Analysis

In chapter nineteen, the Vietnam War has created problems for Joseph's business and he moves his successful enamelware business to Nigeria, putting Gregory in charge. Gregory is married by now, and this means he and his wife are forced to live in the harsh conditions of Nigeria. Gregory asks Joseph to relieve him, but then changes his mind and asks to remain in Nigeria. Joseph takes action on his own and sends James to Nigeria, going further in accusing Gregory and his wife, Matilda, of wrongdoing with the company's resources and of mismanagement in the form of taking naps in the afternoon, acts Joseph calls "wasteful extravagance." James dates and eventually marries Louis Lam, the daughter of Jeanne's good friend Beverly. The two women later have a falling out when Jeanne's domineering nature wears thin with Beverly. James takes...