Chapters 14-17
Chapter 14
Hannan travels to Lesotho for her missionary grandfather’s funeral. She calls Sonny at the cottage once every three days. In one call, Hannah reveals she was “declared a prohibited immigrant” and cannot return to South Africa. She has already spoken to her director to remedy the distinction. Sonny insists he also help, even though Hannah does not want him “to get mixed up” in the business.
Sonny talks to his trial lawyer, who agrees it would be best if Hannah were permitted to return to South Africa. The next time Sonny goes to Hannah’s cottage, he finds a man who says Hannah is allowing him to stay there. Sonny questions him, but the man provides a code: one of the quotes Hannah and Sonny exchanged when he was imprisoned.
The man stays at the cottage for some time, sleeping in Hannah’s bed, until he simply disappears one day. Sonny cleans the cottage, relieved to be done with this “third person” in his relationship with Hannah.
Chapter 15
When Aila returns from Lusaka, she has “cut off her hair.” She reports that Baby is thriving and does not ask about Sonny right away. Aila says she has more news from Baby but wants to wait to tell Will and Sonny together.
Later, she tells Sonny and Will that Baby is married. Her husband is “nice, steady” and is also “one of their own kind,” not a “white foreigner.” Aila emphasizes that she cannot endanger her reputation (through Sonny’s political activity), as she needs to be able to travel to see Baby.
While alone with Sonny, Aila adds that Baby is expecting her first child. Sonny is concerned about what it would be like for political revolutionaries to raise a child in “the camp,” but Aila assures him Baby is excited.
Hannah returns to South Africa around the same time Aila comes back, and Sonny meets her in the airport parking garage. In the car on the way home, they talk about tensions within the movement.
Will considers how Hannah would feel to know she is sleeping with “a grandfather.” Will thought Sonny might change his behavior after learning of Baby’s pregnancy, but his father’s behavior has proven him wrong. Sonny has not yet even met the baby. Will observes Aila behaving in a more carefree manner since Baby’s marriage and the birth of her child. He thinks his parents have significantly grown apart.
Chapter 16
Sonny’s relationship with his political comrades is damaged by the rise of “the disaffected”—people who have begun to lose faith or hope in the cause, and as such, are seen as a liability.
Sonny begins to sense tension among comrades and questions who he can trust. Sonny and Hannah talk about another man, who Sonny met in prison. This man joined the “palace coup,” an attempt by members of the political movement to remove their leader. The internal conflicts, of course, threaten the efficacy of the anti-Apartheid cause.
Sonny is upset by rumors circulating about him after some “disaffected” were seen visiting his house. Although he sent them away, he is stigmatized. He tortures himself psychologically and sees talking to Hannah as his only relief. After gaining her reassurance, Sonny “had it out with the top leadership,” who agreed they needed to believe in each other’s complete loyalty.
Will dates a young woman who is “proud” to be connected to Will’s family, due to Sonny’s political profile. Aila approves of Will’s girlfriend, but Will also feels pressure to stay home, live with Aila, and not join the Freedom Fighters.
Sonny continues to obsess over...
(This entire section contains 958 words.)
Unlock this Study Guide Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
why he has been targeted by factions within the anti-Apartheid movement, assuming it must be his relationship with Hannah. At a meeting of leaders of the movement, one orator speaks about the value of unity amongst the revolutionaries; he warns that they must be vigilant to detect traitors within their ranks. Though Sonny agrees with the sentiment, he is irritated by the “bombast” of the speaker.
After some discussion, leadership determines to dissolve the executive council and to informally demote the “disaffected,” or those who, like Sonny, have been associated with them. Sonny has to agree this is the best way to deal with the controversy he has found himself unwittingly embroiled in.
Sonny tells Hannah about the meeting. Though she has always supported him, Hannah is now keeping something from Sonny: She was offered a position with the United Nations. She is wary of sharing the news—despite feeling very flattered by the offer—because she does not want to worry Sonny.
Chapter 17
Will says that someone has been calling the house and hanging up; he worries that Sonny is wanted by the police again. The movement does, indeed, dissolve the executive council, in a clandestine meeting, but the same executive is again elected as leader. Sonny is demoted “for the good of the struggle.” His demotion sends a signal to the rest of the comrades that no relationship with the disaffected will be tolerated, as it would be dangerous to the movement.
Sonny seeks comfort in Hannah, who envisions herself working for the United Nations but cannot bring herself to tell Sonny. Eventually, she brings it up, explaining she would be based in Ethiopia but would travel all over Africa. He seems surprised and upset but reiterates that the offer is “an honour.”
Police bang on the door at the family home, and Will answers. They ask for Aila, who gathers her belongings. Will has no idea why Aila is being taken into custody but blames Sonny and wants to kill his father.
