Summary: As the novel progresses we get to hear/meet one of Stephanos close relatives. His uncle Berhane Selassi. Berhane was a very noble man back in Ethiopia, however he fled to the U.S without anyone knowing. Some of his servants and workers were suspicious, but til now still don't know where he went. Burhane and Stephanos are really close, he often says that he can talk to his uncle about anything. Although his uncle had a lot of high hopes and is still a little disappointed in what he is doing now, he is still there for Stephanos and always asks how he's doing with the store. During his visit to his uncles house, you learn a bit about his father, his death, and Berhane's letter to Presidents. He talked about the bloody war that was going on in Ethiopia and summarized Stephanos' fathers death; which occured in front of his eyes as his father refused to tell soldiers were he found a paper pertaining to democracy. Another thing that is seen throughout this section is the small symbolism pertaining to the title. Earlier on it is revealed on what the title means, but now you can see what it means and how it relates to Stephanos. There are also more flashbacks focusing more on when they arrived in Ethiopia and the lives they lived as immigrants as well as the hardships they went to in order to become something or better their life.
Quote: "Our translucent reflections were shot back to us as we watched the finely dressed men and women inside sip their water." (Mengestu 170)
Reaction: This quote in m eyes shows the lack of satisfaction that the 2 men are having with their lives right now. It also related to a quote earlier that simply stated that you had to just go on with life. So this is kind of an example on how looking at another persons happy life might make you sad and depressed, but you have to keep on going so that you can make it there.
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