Nervous Conditions

Many white individuals—both missionaries and expatriates—live at the mission, and some of their children attend the mission school with the African children, including Nyasha’s friend Nyaradzo. Nyaradzo’s brothers, Andy and Brian, attend a multiracial school where few African students are enrolled due to the high tuition. While Nyasha feels that attending an interracial school would have unintended consequences, Tambu would like to go to one. Chido, who is in secondary school, is enrolled in a multiracial school, although Babamukuru originally wanted him to remain at the mission to “counteract the unAfrican exposure” he has experienced (108). Nyasha must take exams that will determine whether she can continue her schooling, and she studies so intensely that Maiguru is concerned and asks Tambu to talk to her. Nyasha passes her exams, though she must wait until after Christmas to get the results.

Tambu, Nyasha, and Chido attend a Christmas party. Babamukuru criticizes Nyasha’s dress, but Maiguru diffuses the situation by saying she bought the dress as a gift for Nyasha sitting her exams. At first, Tambu is uncomfortable at the dance, but after meeting up with a couple of her friends, she relaxes, dances, and has a good time.