Aunt Sarah Character Analysis in Dreams from My Father

Aunt Sarah is the Old Man’s older sister. Although she was traumatized when their mother, Akumu, abandoned them as children, Sarah remained loyal to their mother for the rest of her life. In adulthood, she remains estranged from most of the Old Man’s family. Tradition dictates that, since she’s unmarried, the Old Man would be responsible for caring for her in adulthood, so she contests the Old Man’s will, believing that the rest of his family is trying to keep his money for themselves. In reality, Zeituni explains to Barack, there isn’t much money in the Old Man’s estate in the first place—and the lawyers’ fees to continue litigating will eat up whatever money is left. Barack finds her somewhat disturbing in her single-minded pursuit of her deceased brother’s money.

Aunt Sarah Character Timeline in Dreams from My Father

The timeline below shows where the character Aunt Sarah appears in Dreams from My Father. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

As Barack and Auma leave, Jane whispers to Auma to take Barack to see Aunt Sarah, the Old Man’s older sister. In the car, Auma explains that she won’t go see... (full context)

Zeituni takes Barack to visit Aunt Sarah. Auma drives them most of the way, as her mechanic lives nearby. They drive to... (full context)

Zeituni drags Barack outside when Sarah invites him to stay longer. After a few minutes, Barack asks Zeituni what she and... (full context)

...out Onyango and then a photo of the Old Man as an infant with little Sarah and their mother, Akumu. There’s one photo of a dreamy white woman, whom Granny says... (full context)

Granny was 16 when she married Onyango. Akumu already had Sarah and the Old Man, and they lived with Helima in Kendu. Granny lived with Onyango... (full context)

...proud and scornful. Onyango beat her often. Finally, when the Old Man was nine and Sarah was 12, Akumu told her children to follow her when they’re older and disappeared with... (full context)

...whatever he wanted behind his father’s back. He also learned quickly, even as a toddler. Sarah did too, but this didn’t concern Onyango—he didn’t care about educating women. This caused a... (full context)

...Barack took Michelle to Kenya. Everyone loved her. But life in Kenya seemed more difficult; Sarah and Kezia still weren’t speaking, and Bernard, Abo, and Sayid were still unemployed. Billy died... (full context)