Summary

Chapter Thirty-Seven begins on the day of Maddie’s father’s funeral. Everyone hugs her, including James. Her Mum stops herself from putting on her jewelry, as it is tradition on burial day, and Maddie takes off her earrings as well. The hearse arrives and Maddie sees the coffin and starts crying. Her mother pulls her towards the coffin, claiming tradition, Maddie thinking, “I think my mother makes up many traditions just to get her way” (260). One of her extended family members comes up to Maddie and starts speaking in Twi, calling Maddie Baaba, and admonishing her when she responds in English. She practices some Twi and listens to those around her. They get in the car and drive to the graveyard.

At the graveyard she practices Twi, as Mum’s pastor starts the service. Maddie struggles with her eulogy. She talks...