A new republic, called Biafra, is created by the Igbo. Jumping four years ahead, trouble is brewing between the Hausa and the Igbo people and hundreds of people die in massacres, including Olanna's beloved auntie and uncle. Her lover Richard is an English writer who goes to Nigeria to explore Igbo-Ukwu art. Olanna has a twin sister, Kainene, a woman with a dry sense of humor, tired by the pompous company she runs for her father. Ugwu forms a strong bond with both of them, and is a very loyal houseboy. Life changes for Ugwu when Odenigbo's girlfriend, Olanna, moves in with them. Odenigbo frequently entertains intellectuals to discuss the political turmoil in Nigeria. In the early 1960s, the main characters are introduced: Ugwu, a 13-year-old village boy who moves in with Odenigbo, to work as his houseboy. The book jumps between events that took place during the early and late 1960s, when the war took place, and extends until the end of the war. After Biafra's declaration of secession, the lives of the main characters drastically change and are torn apart by the brutality of the civil war and decisions in their personal lives. The effect of the war is shown through the relationships of five people's lives including the twin daughters of an influential businessman, a professor, a British expat, and a Nigerian houseboy. The novel takes place in Nigeria prior to and during the Nigerian Civil War (1967–70). The flag of Biafra, in the centre can be seen the half yellow sun which the title refers to.
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