Summary

In Chapter 4, Wasik brings his mother home to Port Masi, but she thinks it smells like “smoke, steel and shit” (37). She reminds her son that he is not a king or a chief and thus does not need such a big house. Wasik gives his mother a television, but she doesn’t understand what to do with it. McFadden explains that grandmother’s language is Wele and that she has only limited English. Grandmother feels disgust toward the Katas “frivolity” and tells Ismae, “You should have left me in Prama. This place is hell” (39). At the end of the chapter, readers learn the governed has accused Wasik's boss at the ministry of finance of diverting money into a personal account. Wasik is questioned, but claims he had no idea. “The truth will be revealed,” a minister warns him (40).

In Chapter 5, Wasik gets suspended...