Irony of the return to Cameroon
When Jende and Neni move to America, they are fulfilling a lifelong dream of becoming American citizens. There is irony in the fact that they ultimately find freedom, and more economic stability than they have ever had, when they return to Cameroon.
Irony of Cindy Edwards
Cindy Edwards seems to have everything she could ever want, from material wealth to a family she loves. However, she is profoundly unhappy, struggles with alcoholism and drug addiction, and eventually commits suicide, in spite of all the privilege she has.
Irony of Neni's Immigration
Neni spends the first years that Jende is in America trapped in her parents' house, miserable, while she waits for him to send for her. Although she finally finds happiness in America, she eventually goes back to Cameroon because Jende decides to go back willingly rather than be deported, a decision that she bitterly resents. While Jende initially was the man who brought her to America, he becomes the man who forces her to leave.
Irony of the Edwards and Jongas
The Edwards family is significantly wealthier than the Jongas, which means that they have access to resources and opportunities that the Jongas will never have. However, the Jonga family is arguably happier, as their children spend more time with their parents, their marriage is (at least in the beginning of the novel) a happy one, and the family actually enjoys spending time together.
Irony of Servitude
Neni spends time in America as a servant for the Edwards family, a position that places them with power over her and allows them to exploit her body and emotions for labor. However, when she returns to Cameroon, her family has enough money to hire a servant themselves. This is a sign of wealth, and yet the return to Cameroon is, ironically, a deeply unhappy one for Neni.
