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emotional
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
“I don’t know how to be anything else but a mother”
“God, when will you create a woman who will be fulfilled in herself, a full human being, not anybody’s appendage?”
Spent the entire time reflecting on how much society has progressed and also how much has remained the same
“God, when will you create a woman who will be fulfilled in herself, a full human being, not anybody’s appendage?”
Spent the entire time reflecting on how much society has progressed and also how much has remained the same
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Suicidal thoughts, Xenophobia, Medical trauma, Suicide attempt, Colonisation, War
Minor: Alcoholism, Infertility, Miscarriage, Death of parent
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The Joys of Mothehood outlines an experience of marriage and motherhood that was anything but joyful. This Nigerian novel is set in the 1930s-1950s, and its depiction of the impact of patriarchy, polygamy and misogyny on the life of Nnu Ego was compelling, infuriating and heartbreaking. The impact of colonisation was evident and this story also highlighted other issues including ethnic divisions within Nigeria, urbanisation, class, wealth and, of course, gender roles. Sadly this is not an uplifting story but a powerful, important and worthwhile one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Grief
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Infertility, Misogyny, Sexism, Pregnancy, Colonisation
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Miscarriage, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Suicide attempt, Alcohol
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny
Moderate: Child death, Death, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Death of parent
Minor: Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Racism