Babamukuru

The way Nervous Conditions is written, I tended to place a lot of faith in Tambu's opinions, siding with her on most everything. Of course, I think that is common of protagonists, and in essence part of their definition to illicit strong reader support. But, when it came to Babamukuru, I was confused. The amount of emphasis Tambu, along with many of the other characters, places on him seemed to me a little overdone. His accomplishments were definitely worthy of some praise, as was his generosity. But I wondered how much of it was generosity and how much of it was simply obligation. Either way, I can't deny the things he has done for his family, especially Tambu's father, who I view as flat out lazy and unproductive.

Thus, I came into the end of the novel with my mind made up about Babamukuru, especially after the beating he gave Nyasha. Although she shouldn't have incited him with half the things he said, or in my opinion punched him back, his way of dealing with her rebellion is not something I agree with. Nonetheless, I actually left the novel wishing Tambu had listened to Babamukuru when he told her not to press going to the new school. I had a bad feeling about it (still do), and what really struck me were her new living quarters. I was pro-Babamukuru at that point because he was found the living situation odd, and questioned the Nun about there being 6 beds and 4 closets, etc. Nyasha too caught onto the tone I felt the Nun was using, calling them "African" students.

The pride the nun felt worries me, and I am anxious to find out what happens further. Especially since it seemed like a tone of such condescension and pity.