Leaving the Irish workhouse to labour for the redcoats, over the years, Tomas gradually learns the skill of map making. After marriage, his son, Liam accompanies him on these working trips for the English, leaving his wife and two daughters in Dublin. When he stumbles upon a copse, Tomas does not return for several days, abandoning Liam who grows frightened. When Tomas, does appear, he is no longer stern, but jibbers on hardly making sense and Liam fears his old father won’t return. Tomas no longer wishes to help the English map Ireland and Liam is worried for the rest of the family who need the money. But what lays install for Tomas, is far worse and sets him at odds with Liam for the remainder of his life.
Because of his lazy father, Okonkwo has strived since childhood, to get ahead in his Nigerian village. As a man, he is respected by all for his prowess in fighting and wealth, but he is stern and he strictly controls his three wives and oldest son, Nwoye, whom he fears is lazy like his grandfather. But an accident occurs, that changes Okonkwo’s life and nothing is the same after that.
Achebe has woven a beautiful tale full of unique beliefs and village customs and how change effects village life.
In 1840s London, when Dr. Croft discovers all but one of the Beady family dead from cholera, he carries the remaining eight-year-old Nora to his residence. Mrs. Phipps, his housekeeper, takes care of her and soon the child recovers. But she has no family left so lives with them.
Dr. Croft spends part of his day attending to his patients, part of his day at St Bart’s Hospital and the rest, reading medical journals, dissecting dead bodies and writing papers. Nora attends school, but soon becomes interested in Dr. Croft’s laboratory and the goings on. As she grows, she becomes more knowledgeable in surgery, but what can she do with this knowledge in an era when women are forbidden to be doctors? And what will happen to Dr. Croft who has encouraged her ability if this is discovered?
In the 1800s Arthur is born on the banks of the Thames and lives in squalor, but when he becomes an apprentice to a printing company, he has the opportunity to read as well as fill his belly. When he reads Nineveh and its Remains, he is forever obsessed with Mesopotamia. In the 21st century, Narin is a Yazidi who lives by the Tigris River. Her grandmother brings her up while her father earns a living as a musician. But when they enter Iraq for her baptism, disaster strikes. In present day London Zaleekhah is a scientist studying water. She has been brought up by her uncle and aunt after her parents’ death and is forever grateful—that is, until she discovers Uncle Malek’s plan. This is a fascinating read entwining historical facts with fiction and bringing these seemingly different characters together over time and geography.
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