Nervous Conditions

Tambu is not sad to leave home, and she is happy to show her younger sisters that they can change their fates. She is excited to divert her energy from trying to survive to learning and expanding her mind. However, she is sad to leave the Nyamarira River. On the drive, Tambu is preoccupied with thoughts of the house and her new sleeping arrangements. They arrive, and Tambu contrasts Babamukuru’s large, white house with the small, run-down buildings on the homestead. Tambu feels separated from Babamukuru because she realizes she does not know him well. She feels self-pity after an epiphany that Babamukuru has taken her out of charity and obligation and not because of who she is as a person.

Tambu is scared by two large dogs guarding the property, but she receives a warm welcome from Anna, the family’s housekeeper, and Nyasha, who is busy baking a cake for Chido. She is led through the house and into the extravagant living room, where she waits for Maiguru to come downstairs. As she waits, she resolves to not end up arrogant like