SAIDU’S DEATH
Sierra Leone Novemeber 1993.
Who was involved?: Ishmael, Alhaji, Musa, Kenai, Saidu, Jumah and the man from the
house.
When did the event happen?: December 1993.
Where did the event happen?: A big and crowded village that seemed unaffected by war where the boys were kindly welcomed. Precisely, in the verandah of a man’s house.
What happened?: After everyone in the village was waking up due to the dogs’ cries, the boys and the man whose verandah they slept on, try to wake up Saidu but realize he is dead. the man helps the boys set a funeral.
Why did it happen?: Saidu had fainted earlier and suggested this happened because of their encounter with the people he claims were ghosts. Also, Saidu once mentioned feeling as if parts of him were slowly dying as the journey continued. It’s evident he was in a lot of pain.
5TH MOST IMPORTANT CHAPTER
Saidu’s death was ranked as the 5th most important event due to the impact it had on Ishmael and the other boys. Saidu was one of the main characters in previous chapters who traveled along with Ishmael and 4 other boys, therefore his loss is really meaningful to the development of the story and to the character’s life. Also, this is the first time Ishmael knows for sure a person he appreciates is dead. After facing different adversities together and constantly supporting each other, the boys develop a tight bond between them, making Saidu’s death something very difficult to overcome that increases their overall grief.