Reviews

The Middle Daughter by Chika Unigwe

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maro022's review

challenging dark hopeful informative fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Currently one of my favourite reads this year. However, would say it felt slow at the beginning, but it hindsight that was good as there is a lot to unpack.

Whilst there are “triggering contents” in this book, at the heart of ‘The Middle Daughter’ is the strength in building yourself again and meddling broken but meaningful relationship.

Side note: the relationship dynamic of Nani and Ephraim reminded me of the protagonists relationship in Noor Naga’s “If an Egyptian Could Speak”.

jeanclaire's review

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dark emotional sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

idah_mrashui's review

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challenging dark emotional sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

browngirlreading's review against another edition

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dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Content Warnings

elizabeth_usen22's review

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emotional hopeful reflective sad fast-paced

4.0

shaun_lunga's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

serendipitysbooks's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

The Middle Daughter is inspired by the Hades and Persephone myth but has a feminist twist and is set in modern Nigeria. Following the deaths of her older sister and then her father 17 year old Nani is reeling. That she is grieving in a different way than her mother and younger sister leaves her feeling isolated and confused, vulnerable to the attention of Ephraim, an itinerant preacher. The plot then goes on to cover some heavy topics so do check for trigger warnings. I don’t want to give away spoilers but I will say I admired Nani’s strength and resilience, the way she was able to stay strong for her children. Her husband made my skin crawl and my blood pressure skyrocket, so kudos to Unigwe for such effective characterisation. He was a chilling representation of power hungry men who misuse religion for their own twisted and selfish ends. I struggled to connect with Nani’s mother. She loved her daughter so I have to accept that she believed she was acting in Nani’s best interests, but it really felt like she was simply trying to save face by avoiding gossip and public shaming. I couldn’t help but draw comparisons with Clarissa, an 18th century novel where the parents cut their daughter off, because she won’t obey them, but in so doing push her into a terrible situation with no means of escape. Loved that the end here offered hope after all the hardship.

Content Warnings

waniojeniyi's review

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5.0

For a book so short, it carries a lot of weight. The first tragedy is told of very early in the book, and it really doesn't get easier as the story progresses. However, as unhappy as the story is, it doesn't bore or become repetitive.
I really liked Nani and I'm not sure why I did. Her character was also developed very well, so she grew and changed in the way that I thought was fitting. I also enjoyed that this story was not the typical abuse & DV story but it explores those heavy themes expertly.

zainub_reads's review

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challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

4.75

zelinacarstens's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

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