Summary

Rumors of a Crocodile, who claims to be entirely harmless, spread throughout Jidada. The optimism that greeted the Old Horse’s fall has disappeared and been replaced by “the worstest of times” (318). Jidadans take to social media to express their disillusionment with Tuvy’s government. Citizens are bold and defiant in this “Other Country” (320). Tuvy—via a program he refers to as the Reformation—names numerous streets after himself. He makes political appointments for minor local offices and he visits workplaces across the country. Boycotts against businesses connected to the government ensue. Tuvy, upset at this dissidence, institutes a series of authoritarian reforms, including the suspension of basic rights and press freedoms. The Crocodile, meanwhile, commits “violent shenanigans” (332) throughout the country.

Destiny begins a romantic relationship with an artist named Golden Maseko. She borrows his car and sets out to visit Bulawayo. Since...