Characters
Who is Jende Jonga and what’s his job?
He is the Cameroonian immigrant who works as a chauffeur for the Edwards family.
Which legal status does Jende apply for?
Green Card
What is Lehman Brothers?
Financial services firm known for investment banking, trading and asset management
Where does most of the story take place?
N.Y.C
What’s the town called that Jende and Neni lived in and what is written on the welcome sign?
Limbe; ”Welcome to Limbe, the town of friendship.“
Name 3 aspects about Neni.
determined, ambitious, pharmacy student
In which U.S State do Neni and Jende live in?
New York
On which date did Lehman Brothers collapse
September 15th, 2008
What role does Jende’s immigration status play in shaping the plot?
His undocumented status creates constant fear of deportation and limits his opportunities, driving many of the novel’s conflicts.
What does “Ashia!” mean?
What is Clark’s role in the novel?
Wall street executive that employs Jende; later example for the failed AD.
What message does the novel ultimately convey about immigration and the American Dream?
The novel suggests that the American Dream is unequal and often inaccessible to immigrants, especially those without legal status.
What was the risk management meeting about?
Come clean about being unable to pay money; no longer engage in fraudulent activities.
What is Neni‘s job in the Hamptons house?
House maid
What is a “grand boubou”?
A flowing wide-sleeved robe worn in West Africa.
Who’s Cindy and what is she struggling with?
Clark’s wife; struggles with alcohol addiction, depression, loneliness
The fear of being deported becomes stronger after which federal agency questions Jende?
ICE (Immigrations and Customs Enforcement)
What is Repo 105?
Trick that shifted Lehman Brothers finances around so they appear healthy. It’s considered fraudulent and they were fined 10 million dollars.
What is Wall Street an important setting in the Novel? What does it symbolis?
It is the center of the financial industry where Clark Edwards works, and it symbolizes wealth, power, and the instability of the American Dream.
What is Bukinabé?
A person from Burkina Faso in West Africa.
What does Bubakhar warn Jende and Neni about?
Risks of overstaying their visa and not being able to return after being deported
What is the park called from which Jende calls Neni?
Columbus Circle, New York City
What is OPEC?
Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries
What business does Jende pursue upon arriving back in Cameroon?
Taxi Business
What is CRTV?
Cameroon government controlled radio and TV