Chapter 9 Summary

Laye leaves home for Conakry when he is fifteen years old to attend a school called the Technical College. On the morning of his departure, Laye's mother wakes him early. She is already suffering from the loss of her son but tries very hard to keep her emotions under control. She has obtained a bottle of liquid that is supposed to be good for the brain. It is made from the washing water used to clean small boards that have prayers from the Koran written on them. Honey is added to this water and an elixir is made and sold at a very high price. Laye's father gives him a he-goat's horn containing talismans to protect him against evil spirits.

Laye says goodbye to all the elders of the village and then returns to find his mother crying. He begs her to not...