Stress of Assimilation Both Real and Universal

For Nyasha and now Tambu, the stress of striving for educational success while coping with the complexities of race, gender, and culture, multiplied by the pressure exerted by Baba and what he has achieved, produces a very tangible strain on their mental health. It reminded me of a study I read a couple of years ago on the success of 2nd generation Latinos in America. Unfortunately, I was unable to get the exact article I read initially but I have posted the links of a couple of interesting things I did read that I believe are relevant to the topic.

http://blogs.uscannenberg.org/news21/spring09/2009/04/the-stories-of-the-immigrant-s.html

http://www.dlc.org/ndol_ci.cfm?kaid=127&subid=170&contentid=250096

Nyasha's story and the decline in her mental health are easily comparable with these studies. She, like some 2nd generation immigrants, never lived through the poverty stricken environments that initially spurned the ambition of their parents to achieve success and status. Nyasha is also like these 2nd generation children in that she has grown faster culturally then her parents which produces an emotional disconnect, communication issues and consequently mental instability as well. Since I have yet to finish the book I'll refrain from making judgments on what seems to be the start of Tambu's mental decline.