Summary

In Chapter 11, Gino expresses his desire to join the Rwandan National Front. Gabriel, who believes that war “could only mean sadness and misfortune” (66), has no such desire. Gino’s mother is never at home. One day, Gino takes Gabriel for a beer at the local cabaret, a little hut where people from the neighborhood go to drink. They listen to patrons around them discuss the relative merits of democracy and monarchy.

In Chapter 12, the presidential election of June, 1993 approaches. For the first time in Burundi’s history there are two political parties vying for power: the Frodebu, which Porthé supports; and the Uprona, which has already been long in power and which Innocent supports. In Chapter 13, Gabriel describes election day. The people are excited, and the next day, nervous as they wait for results to arrive. Gabriel writes Laure another letter in which...