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a_novel_idea11 's review for:
Ties That Tether
by Jane Igharo
This was a really great novel that had so many elements I look for in novels these days - a romance, family drama, strong cultural components, and a big dilemma.
Azere is a Nigerian woman living in Canada. In her mid to late twenties, her mother is convinced that without her help, Azere will end up single for the rest of her life. However, Azere can't just commit to any man - the man Azere dates and ultimately marries must be Edo, per a promise she made to her father on his deathbed when she was just twelve years old.
Though Azere also desperately wants to marry an Edo man, the men her mother sets her up with are often stuck in Nigeria expecting Azere to simply cook, clean, and raise children. Azere wants more from life and knows that she deserves it.
After a particularly bad date, Azere grabs a drink in a hotel lobby and strikes up a conversation with an attractive (non-Edo) man. One thing leads to another and Azere breaks her vow to herself - she has a one night stand with a white man.
Things take a turn when that same man walks into Azere's place of work just a month later as the firm's newest hire. And when Azere realizes she's pregnant, she risks losing her family, her identity, a shot at love, and everything she's worked for.
I generally enjoy the romance trope where a duo has a sexy one night stand and then later reunite in an awkward way, typically at work. This was well done for the storyline and Azere's pregnancy and vow not to be with a white man really upped the ante.
I loved the RomCom references scattered throughout the novel and thought they added a fun element to an otherwise pretty serious situation.
The cultural references throughout and Azere's commitment to her heritage was really important and well done. I loved learning about Nigeria and some of the Edo customs such as traditions with food and weddings, colorful attire, and treatment of women. Watching Azere navigate her conflicting identities - Nigerian and Canadian - felt authentic. It was heartbreaking seeing her lose loved ones over difficult choices and understanding that in some cultures, people really are required to make those sacrifices.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and I look forward to more by Igharo. I recommend this read for anyone who enjoys a fun romance novel with substance.
Azere is a Nigerian woman living in Canada. In her mid to late twenties, her mother is convinced that without her help, Azere will end up single for the rest of her life. However, Azere can't just commit to any man - the man Azere dates and ultimately marries must be Edo, per a promise she made to her father on his deathbed when she was just twelve years old.
Though Azere also desperately wants to marry an Edo man, the men her mother sets her up with are often stuck in Nigeria expecting Azere to simply cook, clean, and raise children. Azere wants more from life and knows that she deserves it.
After a particularly bad date, Azere grabs a drink in a hotel lobby and strikes up a conversation with an attractive (non-Edo) man. One thing leads to another and Azere breaks her vow to herself - she has a one night stand with a white man.
Things take a turn when that same man walks into Azere's place of work just a month later as the firm's newest hire. And when Azere realizes she's pregnant, she risks losing her family, her identity, a shot at love, and everything she's worked for.
I generally enjoy the romance trope where a duo has a sexy one night stand and then later reunite in an awkward way, typically at work. This was well done for the storyline and Azere's pregnancy and vow not to be with a white man really upped the ante.
I loved the RomCom references scattered throughout the novel and thought they added a fun element to an otherwise pretty serious situation.
The cultural references throughout and Azere's commitment to her heritage was really important and well done. I loved learning about Nigeria and some of the Edo customs such as traditions with food and weddings, colorful attire, and treatment of women. Watching Azere navigate her conflicting identities - Nigerian and Canadian - felt authentic. It was heartbreaking seeing her lose loved ones over difficult choices and understanding that in some cultures, people really are required to make those sacrifices.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and I look forward to more by Igharo. I recommend this read for anyone who enjoys a fun romance novel with substance.