Set in the grim world of urban prostitution, this book gives voice to the multitude of women trapped in African ghettos. Ateba is quiet and unassuming, taking care of her aunt's needs. But she craves the mother who abandoned her, and creates imaginary women to talk to. Then her world is shaken: Jean, the lodger forces a relationship on her; and old neighborhood prostitute dies; and her best friend is killed by a botched abortion. Caught between traditional values, male demands, and the need to survive, Ateba seeks to end the tyranny of men, whom she holds responsible for this suffering.