The novel centers on a military government in a fictional post-colonial country in Africa. As such, there are political killings both alluded to and directly mentioned in the novel. The violence in the novel may be disturbing, particularly to students whose family history may feature similar events. Remind students to discuss these events with sensitivity and from historical perspectives. Sexual content and sexual violence, such as a discussion of oral sex, depictions of intercourse, and attempted rape are also present in the novel.
The thought questions in this lesson plan provide material and ideas that students can use to write short original essays and to develop their powers of...
