Truth

Throughout the novel, the author uses the primary characters’ debates about religion and belief in order to explore the relativity of truth. The author introduces this thematic notion in the beginning pages of the prologue. When Igbokwe initially announces that a devastating storm will sweep through Ichulu, the narrator explains that “Nobody in Ichulu could say how water could harm” (2). Because the Idemili, the sacred river by which the village is situated, has kept the villagers healthy and safe for years, it is difficult for them to believe that water could destroy their lives. Yet Igbokwe is the village’s resident dibia, and is thus responsible for liaising between the gods and the people. Although Ichulu eventually listens to Igbokwe about how to break the curse and stave off the storm, Igbokwe’s remedy ultimately causes the village more devastation, and thus complicates their reliance upon...