Content Warning: The source text and this guide depict racism, sexism, enslavement, murder, child loss, domestic violence, and death by suicide.

The novel opens in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1934. Early one morning, a young woman named Nnu Ego runs away from home following the death of her month-old son. Arriving at Carter Bridge, she prepares to jump to her death.

The novel’s timeline jumps to about 20 years before the incidents of the first chapter. Nwokocha Agbadi is a charismatic local chief in Ibuza, Nigeria. He has several wives, including some captured from nearby villages. However, Ona, his favorite lover, refuses to become his wife. By remaining unmarried, Ona hopes to conceive a son who will remain in her father’s clan since her father has no sons.

After Agbadi is severely injured on a hunting trip, Ona becomes worried for his life and insists on caring for him herself. When he awakens after five days, he begins to tease Ona about her obvious affection for him despite her earlier denials. Ona is frustrated by this and the two end up arguing. Agbadi’s friend, Idayi, reminds Ona that Agbadi needs her even if he won’t admit it.