How colonialism impacts identity of Tambu

Tambu is extremely driven to be educated, even though her parents are more focused on her brother's advancement simply because he is male. When Nhamo dies, Tambu gets the opportunity to move to the mission to study. She develops a deep connection with her cousin, Nyasha, and together, the two girls navigate adolescence in postcolonial Zimbabwe. To some degree colonization gives girls like Tambu a chance to succeed in a patriarchal culture. She gets to go to school and side-step the gender barirers put upon her by her culture.