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readingwithkaitlyn's review
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Pregnancy, Medical trauma, Medical content, and Misogyny
Moderate: Grief, Abortion, Toxic relationship, and Domestic abuse
Minor: Death, Sexual content, Child abuse, Sexual assault, Excrement, Body horror, Religious bigotry, Rape, Injury/Injury detail, Infidelity, Vomit, Blood, Racism, and Miscarriage
agateg's review
challenging
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.25
"Bear it, that is what it means to be a woman,” and it was years before I knew that girls took Buscopan for period pain.”
When Zikora, a DC lawyer from Nigeria, tells her equally high-powered lover that she's pregnant, he abandons her. But it's Zikora's demanding, self-possessed mother, in town for the birth, who makes Zikora feel like a lonely little girl all over again. Shunned by the speed with which her ideal life fell apart, Zikora turns to reflect on her mother's painful past and struggle for dignity. Preparing for motherhood, Zikora begins to see more clearly what her own mother wants for her, for her new baby, and for herself.
This was a short yet powerful story. It dives into the not-always-happy experiences of womanhood. I felt such deep sympathy for the main character because I would not be strong enough to bear a child in such circumstances. It was challenging to read because of the topic it discussed but I liked the author's writing style and how she decided to show this story.
When Zikora, a DC lawyer from Nigeria, tells her equally high-powered lover that she's pregnant, he abandons her. But it's Zikora's demanding, self-possessed mother, in town for the birth, who makes Zikora feel like a lonely little girl all over again. Shunned by the speed with which her ideal life fell apart, Zikora turns to reflect on her mother's painful past and struggle for dignity. Preparing for motherhood, Zikora begins to see more clearly what her own mother wants for her, for her new baby, and for herself.
This was a short yet powerful story. It dives into the not-always-happy experiences of womanhood. I felt such deep sympathy for the main character because I would not be strong enough to bear a child in such circumstances. It was challenging to read because of the topic it discussed but I liked the author's writing style and how she decided to show this story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content, Abortion, Pregnancy, and Rape
Moderate: Miscarriage, Misogyny, Sexual assault, and Sexism
Minor: Vomit
sadiaa's review
fast-paced
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy, Abandonment, Abortion, Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, and Vomit
scarafaggy's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I looked at my mother, standing by the window. How had I never really seen her? It was my father who destroyed, and it was my mother I blamed for the ruins left behind.
A short story that explores the difficulties of womanhood, single motherhood and relationships. 'Zikora' is heavily character-driven, which lends itself to a much deeper and emotional reading experience. The only downside (and why I have chosen a 4.0 instead of a 5.0) is that the ending can feel a bit abrupt... Overall, a wonderful little read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy, Sexism, and Misogyny
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