Gifty’s mom, who she nicknamed The Black Mamba, TBM. was sick with depression. (Gyasi, p. 44)

Her eldest child, a son called Nana, died soon after his high school prom. She discovered his stash of OxyContin pills when he was 15 years old. She couldn’t handle it. As Nana grew older, his temper became bad and he thrashed their home when he was high on drugs. He broke their TV and punched the wall. Even then, TBM could not address his drug use.

Related post:

Main book review is at https://booksreviewsandmore.com/why-did-gifty-give-her-family-members-nicknames/