Summary

The Mothers’ section is also split into three chapters, named after the three mothers: Sylvia, Isabella, and Thandiwe. Each of these chapters is narrated in the third person, except for a concluding page-long reflection by the plural first person narrators after each story.

Sylvia is the daughter of Matha. During Sylvia's childhood, Matha cried constantly and was surrounded by fellow Weepers. Sylvia's aunt Nkuka, known as Cookie, takes Sylvia as leverage against Cookie’s older lover, Mr. Mwape, who finances her life. Cookie pretends that Mr. Mwape got her pregnant and Sylvia is their daughter. Mr. Mwape sexually grooms a young Sylvia, which eventually leads Cookie to kick Sylvia out for stealing away Mr. Mwape's attention. Sylvia meets another girl named Loveness in Kalingalinga, and they become good friends. With Loveness’ help, Sylvia becomes a sex worker. Although they never consider each...