Alhaji Abubakar's household does not follow the traditional pattern established in the settlement of Alaika. Although as wealthy and respected a figure as his neighbours, he has only one wife, Ramatu, and one child, Sale. As his son grows into rebellious manhood, the structure of Abubakar's life is shaken and he has reason to fear not only for Sale's future, but for the fate of his whole family and way of life.