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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