Reviews with content warning for Homophobia - Under the Udala Trees

Reviews tagging 'Homophobia'

Under the Udala Trees by Chinelo Okparanta

92 reviews

khymihr's review against another edition

Go to review page

informative sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Loveable characters? No

3.0

Content Warnings

edgyveggie's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

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

4.75

The story of a queer woman from her childhood to motherhood, set in Nigeria during and after the Nigerian Civil War of the late 1960s. I read this for a queer African literature class, and we discussed how it is and is not a coming out novel. Overall, this novel is beautifully written with well developed characters and a moving plot. It also includes in depth commentary on homophobia within Christianity, which is woven into the narrative in an ingenious way by Okparanta. This novel makes you think, cry, laugh, and will warm your heart. Overall, it captures a non-western queer story in a beautiful way, suited for people in the community and those who want to better understand what it means to be queer.

Content Warnings

narbine's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional sad tense slow-paced

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

Content Warnings

allwaysbecoming's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

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

4.0

Incredible writing that compels you to feel deeply for the times and experience of the main character. It's a sad and hopeful story that is truly heart wrenching.

Content Warnings

crowaii's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging emotional hopeful reflective sad tense slow-paced

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

4.75

Content Warnings

mbichaela's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional reflective medium-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

4.0

ENG
exquisite writing, powerful story and i've learned about nigerian civil war. this book is also special to me because i have annotated it for my friend for her birthday (hopefully she will like it as much as i did).

Content Warnings

simone_k's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark emotional hopeful reflective sad 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

4.25

I really loved this book, especially the ending. I've said it before and I'll say it again, the LGBTIQ+ community deserve happy endings in books, and so I'm so glad that turned out to be true for this book. Plus it wasn't just a simple happy ending, the protagonist Ijeoma really fought and struggled for that happy ending. Also, it wasn't cliché or over the top, there was still an element of sadness as queer people in Nigeria don't have much freedom to be who they are and love who they are.

That's another thing I loved about this book; I learnt so much! I've never really read or watched anything about Nigeria, so I loved learning about another country and its culture. I also appreciated how Okparanta explored themes of sexism and how it intertwines with the specific experience of being a lesbian. I also really enjoyed Okparanta's writing style, it was easy to read and easily grabbed my attention. Her vivid descriptions were also so immersive.

Towards the end during Ijeoma's marriage, the pacing dragged on a bit, but overall, it was a fantastic book that I'd highly recommend.

Content Warnings