The Pieces of Gods
In the days following Palm Sunday, a violent storm uproots the front‑yard frangipani, crashes the satellite dish onto the driveway, and dislodges the wardrobe door. Mama’s china is broken by Sisi, and the silence in the house feels “sharp.” During dinner, Papa demands Jaja eat with the family, but Jaja stays locked in his room, refusing to come out even when Papa pushes a study desk against his door. The tension escalates when Yewande Coker visits with her little daughter, who finally speaks “mommy,” prompting an exuberant “Praise God!” from Papa.
Later, Aunty Ifeoma receives a termination notice for “illegal activity” and applies for a visa, revealing that Father Amadi will soon leave for missionary work. The family, anxious about Easter, fears Jaja’s continued silence and his refusal to receive communion. On Good Friday, Papa’s hands shake, he spills tea, and the family attends the Passion celebration; Jaja kisses the wooden crucifix before the priest wipes it. During the evening, Aunty Ifeoma calls, explaining her pending termination and visa fight, and asks Jaja to join her in traveling to Nsukka. Jaja insists they will go to Nsukka that day, even if they must walk.
The next day the family departs; Kevin drives them, though Papa is weak. In Nsukka they stay with Aunty Ifeoma’s relatives, endure a hot kitchen where palm oil is being bleached, cook garri and soup, and watch the rain. They later attend a pilgrimage at Aokpe, where crowds gather to see a reported apparition of the Blessed Virgin; the narrator feels the presence intensely. After the pilgrimage, Father Amadi spends time with Kambili, sharing flowers, and they discuss boarding school for Kambili and Jaja, with Father Amadi promising to ask Father Benedict. Their relationship grows intimate, with Father Amadi touching her leg and wiping a mosquito bite.
Back in Nsukka, Aunty Ifeoma’s visa is finally approved, but the family learns that Papa has died; a phone call informs them that he was found dead on his office desk. Mama later confesses to Kambili that she had poisoned his tea, claiming a witch‑doctor relative supplied the poison. The police arrive, and Jaja is taken away after admitting he used rat poison in Papa’s tea. The chapter ends with the household reeling from Papa’s death, the revelation of murder, and Jaja’s arrest.