Ocean

The ocean is the primary setting for the novel. After the wajinru pregnant foremothers were thrown overboard the slave ships, the wajinru were born underwater. They retained some of their human traits, but adapted other anatomical features to help them survive in the sea. Therefore, they have created a society and culture in the water's depths.

The wajinru live in the ocean, yet do not all occupy the same region. They come together once a year for the Remembrance. When Yetu flees the Remembrance, she swims far away, exploring the unknown waters of the ocean. After spending several days at the surface, returning to the depths comforts her.

Wajinru Home

The wajinru with whom Yetu lives reside in one area of the ocean depths. Their location is never named or given exact coordinates. However, it is this area that Yetu knows as home. Throughout her life, Yetu has...