Wuraola Obadare: Five Nigerian Novels Every Woman Should Read
Nigerian literature is rich with compelling stories that illuminate the complexities of womanhood, societal expectations, and resilience. These novels explore themes such as patriarchy, marriage, abuse, and identity, weaving narratives that inspire, challenge, and empower. Here are five must-reads for every woman that amplify the voices of women navigating life’s intricate realities.
1. Tomorrow I Become A Woman by Aiwanose Odafen is a powerful narrative that follows the life of Obianuju and her two friends, Ada and Chinelo. The story delves deep into the patriarchal fabric of Nigerian society, exploring themes such as domestic violence, female friendships, love, and the impact of the Nigerian civil war. Raised to please the male gender, Uju finds herself in an abusive marriage, putting her dreams on hold for the sake of her mother’s approval. However, as the story unfolds, Uju defies societal expectations and ultimately leaves her toxic marriage, finding her own path to happiness.
2. Stay With Me by Ayobami Adebayo is a gripping novel that tackles love, marriage, grief, and societal standards. Set against a backdrop of political unrest in Nigeria, the plot revolves around Yejide and Akin, a young couple struggling with infertility. In a culture that places immense pressure on couples to have children, Yejide’s desperation leads her to explore every possible avenue to conceive. When Akin’s family encourages him to take a second wife, the emotional and psychological strains on their relationship come to the forefront. This poignant tale illustrates the complexities of love and resilience in the face of societal pressures.
3. The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Dare tells the moving story of Adunni, a young Nigerian girl whose father sells her into marriage to an older man, shattering her dreams of education and a better life. As she navigates the harsh realities of her new existence, Adunni grapples with societal expectations that demand she conform and abandon her aspirations. Despite the challenges she faces, her resilience shines through as she seeks her voice in a world that tries to silence her. The novel addresses issues of gender inequality and the importance of female solidarity, highlighting the strength women possess to overcome adversity.
4. The Middle Daughter by Chika Unigwe reinterprets the ancient tale of Hades and Persephone within a modern Nigerian context. The narrative centers on Nani, a young woman striving for independence in a traditional household with rigid expectations. As the “middle daughter,” Nani often feels overshadowed by her siblings and longs for love and purpose. After her father’s death, she meets Ephraim, a charming yet dangerous man, hoping he will lead her to freedom and happiness. However, their relationship quickly turns dark, exposing the complexities of abuse and power dynamics. The novel explores themes of family loyalty, self-discovery, and the quest for personal freedom, addressing the societal pressures that women face.
5. Ogadinma: Or Everything Will Be All Right by Ukamaka Olisakwe is a compelling coming-of-age story that follows Ogadinma, a young Nigerian woman whose life is upended by societal and familial expectations. Set in the 1980s, the novel depicts the struggles women face in a patriarchal society that often denies them autonomy. After a family incident forces Ogadinma to move from Kano to Lagos, she marries an older man in search of stability. However, she soon encounters disillusionment and abuse, leading her on a journey to reclaim her independence and identity. Through Ogadinma’s experiences, Olisakwe highlights themes of female oppression, resilience, and the fight for self-determination, emphasizing the importance of bravery and the pursuit of personal freedom.
These five novels not only provide insight into the challenges faced by women in Nigeria but also celebrate their strength and resilience. Each story offers a unique perspective on the complexities of womanhood, making them essential reads for anyone seeking to understand the intricacies of life as a woman in contemporary society.
