Summary

In Chapter 10, "Earth Riddim," Yamaye notices paranoia and suspicion in the neighborhood in the wake of the riot. She finds a job as a temp in London and has begun a tentative relationship with Monassa, though she compares him unfavorably to Moose. Yamaye decides to visit Oraca, who tells Yamaye she should visit Asase in prison. Oraca tells Yamaye how she and Yamaye’s mother met on the boat to England, and how they and their husbands all became friends, and Yamaye’s mother used to sing. However, Yamaye’s mother began flirting with other men and possibly had an affair. This, combined with her becoming pregnant with Yamaye, caused Irving to tightly control her life, eventually physically abusing her, causing her to go to Guyana. Oraca reveals that Yamaye’s mother...