Nnu Ego, a Nigerian woman, is ceremoniously married only to be cast off when she fails to conceive. When she finally succeeds in becoming a mother in a second marriage, Nnu Ego gains the respect of her family and her people. But, as her family of eight children grows, the values of her tribe, her people, and her country undergo bewildering changes, ultimately leaving her bereft of the pleasures that would traditionally be awarded to her as a mother.

The mother -- The mother's mother -- The mother's early life -- First shocks of motherhood -- A failed woman -- A man is never ugly -- The duty of a father -- The rich and the poor -- A mother's investment -- A man needs many wives -- Sharing a husband -- Men at war -- A good daughter -- Women alone -- The soldier father -- A mother of clever children -- A daughter's honour -- The canonised mother.