Half of a Yellow Sun

This chapter utilizes Olanna’s viewpoint as the lens of its narrative. She is finally able to make it to Odenigbo’s house from the train station, and she is so exhausted once she arrives from her journey that she collapses to the ground. Odenigbo collects her and brings her inside in order to wash and clean her up. During her bath, she tells Odenigbo about her experience and the things she witnessed in Kano. Later that night as she attempts to go to sleep, Olanna has her first episode of the so-called “Dark Swoop,” which is a phenomenon that makes her feel as if she is being smothered. The next day she goes to visit Dr. Patel and he explains that her illness is psychological in nature and begins prescribing her medication.

Shortly thereafter, Olanna is resting at Odenigbo’s house when she is surprised to find that Kainene and both of her parents have come to visit. Olanna is pleasantly shocked to see that Kainene has come, and Kainene even begins to cry upon seeing her sister. Several weeks come and go, and Olanna remains bedridden. She spends her time listening to the conversations of Odenigbo and his guests, which usually revolve around the malicious deeds of the Northern Hausa tribe and the English expatriates who supposedly helped to instigate their violence.