Atdtda34: This late in history, 948-949

[Paul Nightingale]

The section opens with another reference to tourism, but "the three" are
different. Seen from the pov of "the indigenous", they are more "passionate"
than the usual "twittering fools" and therefore exceptional, acting "in
answer to unheard voices of duty". Specifically, their intervention has been
written, or determined, at the expense of agency: "behaving not as they
wished but as they must". If they start out ("in tourist attire") as similar
to other visitors, they are subsequently marked out as, somehow, different.

Then, following the first paragraph, there is a sudden shift to Reef's pov
to establish the farm, "indigenous" culture as seen by the outsider: here,
the "quick appraisal" is, or has become, "second nature" to Reef. Very
subjective, then; and the way the paragraph ends ("all known locally") is
inference on Reef's part, perhaps a reminder of his own outsider status,
perhaps an indicator of the time that has passed in order for him to make
such a judgement. What follows Reef's paragraph is Cyprian's version,
dwelling on family relationships and, again, indicating the way, over time,
he has learned from his observations: "Their mother ... turned out to have a
way with roses" (949). Reef gives geography, Cyprian family relationships,
general overviews both; and then the passage moves to one particular
"uncomfortable day" (one of many, so hardly atypical for Yashmeen).

Again there is an emphasis on Yashmeen's child, "[a]s her time approached".
This is the first clear indication that they are interacting with the
locals, "the women in the neighbourhood [drawing] closer ..." etc. 

After the first paragraph R/C/Y are isolated from each other, Yashmeen
surrounded by other women, Reef "rais[ing] whatever hell was available" and
Cyprian "left to churches, fields of rosebushes ..." etc.

More time is spent on Cyprian in what "might be his ultimate hours". He is
looking for something but isn't sure what, given that "fucking strangers
[is] scarcely by now of much concern". Ref the wedding on 947, Cyprian
"looking and not looking at young townsfolk he'd once have termed
desirable".