Mama is pregnant after having previous miscarriages. Kambili and Jaja follow the daily schedules Papa plans in detail. A government coup has occurred, and Papa vows to end the vicious cycle of violence.

Papa’s newspaper contains critical stories of the country’s political turmoil. A new priest, Father Amadi, visits their church and oddly sings traditional songs at Mass; the children like it, but Papa calls him “[g]odless” (29). When Mama becomes ill and goes against Papa’s will, he physically abuses her, resulting in the loss of the baby. Mama is hospitalized, and the family prays for her “forgiveness” (35) upon her return home. 

Kambili acquires status of second in class instead of first, a highly unacceptable position to Papa. Ade Coker, Papa’s editor, is arrested; Papa pays for his release and publishes underground thereafter. At the market, Kambili has compassion for a woman harassed by soldiers. Papa visits Kambili’s school and stresses God’s expectation of perfectionism, reinforcing his adamance that she become first girl in the class. Kambili is considered a “backyard snob” (51) at school; she is unable to socialize because of Papa’s strict rules and her eminent punishment when she does not follow those rules.