Books have a way of finding us at exactly the right moment, and certain novels have been turning points for me.
The right books can be life-changing. And for me, several novels have left lasting impressions. Through their pages, I’ve discovered new perspectives, confronted uncomfortable truths, and found solace in shared experiences.
For World Book and Copyright Day, I’ll share some of the books by Nigerian authors that have profoundly impacted my life. They made me laugh, cry, and question everything.
“And So I Roar” by Abi Dare
I had devoured “The Girl With A Louding Voice” without realising it had a sequel. It wasn’t until a review of the sequel, that I discovered there was more to Adunni’s story. Intrigued, I read the sequel that same week and was deeply moved.
The forest scene, in particular, resonated with me, capturing the book’s essence. The haunting image of girls waiting to be sacrificed for being “different,” Zenab’s decision to take her own life rather than let her aggressors win. And Tia’s unyielding determination to rescue Adunni, all tugged poignantly at my heartstrings.
Even now, recalling Adunni’s fierce roar as she welcomed the possibility of death, after an unrelenting struggle, sends shivers down my spine and fills me with a mix of emotions. This is one of the books I know I will never get over.
“Dream Count” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
I was prepared for “Dream Count”. I knew Adichie would deliver as she always does, and I was ready. The plan was to read the 377-page book in three days — a routine for an avid reader. However, I couldn’t have been more wrong.
I spent one week and two days reading “Dream Count,” not because it was tedious, but because it called for my undivided attention. I paused many times to sit in the emotions wrought by the experiences of Chia, Omegolor, Zikora and Kadiatou.
“Dream Count” is Adichie’s love letter to women—a reflection of our fragility and beauty, and the importance of placing ourselves at the centre of our lives. It is as though she says, “My choices are valid.” This is evident in Omelogor’s contentment in her decision to remain single and child-free. Chia and Zikora’s relentless pursuit of fulfillment in diverse paths, and Kadiatou’s untainted resilience despite going through traumatic experiences.
Adichie crafted a masterpiece that sheds light on the complexities of women’s experiences. And offers a powerful antidote to the shame, stigma, and silence that have haunted women.
“The Joys of Motherhood” by Buchi Emecheta
Nothing could have prepared me for “The Joys of Motherhood”– or the lack of. This classic novel by Buchi Emecheta is a powerful exploration of motherhood, identity, and the struggles faced by women in patriarchal societies.
“The joy of being a mother is the joy of giving all to your children,” is a quote I will never forget. It vividly captures what it means to be a mother in a Nigeria where traditions and customs are changing, as well as marriage, colonialism and women’s roles in society. Although Nnu Ego did all she could to be a good mother, in the end, she ended up all alone.
Her story left a lasting impact on me and changed my beliefs on what motherhood truly meant. Because of Nnu Ego, I know women should never lose their essence.
“Half of a Yellow Sun” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Reading “Half of a Yellow Sun” was a pivotal part of my journey to understand the 1967-1970 civil war. Published in 2007, Adichie’s masterpiece is a sweeping narrative that masterfully explores the Biafran War’s profound impact on individuals and communities.
The lives of Olanna, Kainene, and Ugwu, along with the richly drawn supporting characters, illustrate that no one was immune to the war’s devastating effects, regardless of social class. A reality I believe will always ring true.
There is so much sadness in this book, but also so much strength and depth. To this day, my heart still yearns to find Kainene. Her disappearance stings even more because I ponder how many more people lost loved ones the same way and still yearn for closure.
“In Every Mirror, She’s Black” by Lola Akinmade Åkerström
I was attracted to the book cover of “In Every Mirror She’s Back” when I saw it with a stranger as we waited in line for movie tickets. That was all the motivation I needed to get the book, but what kept me going was its authentic portrayal of the experiences of Black women living in white-dominated communities.
Through the lives of Muna, a Somali refugee, Kemi, a Nigerian-American marketing executive, and Brittany, a former model turned flight attendant of Jamaican descent, I witnessed the insidious effects of racism and classism and tribalism and fetishisation.
One incident I struggled with— Kemi’s assumption that Brittany married a wealthy white man for material gain, a judgment that mirrored the very stereotypes Kemi herself had likely faced. This moment struck a chord, as it highlighted how subconscious biases can manifest in our thoughts and actions.
The book sheds light on the hypocrisy of condemning racism while overlooking our tendencies towards tribalism and subtle apartheid. It has since prompted me to reflect on my own actions and strive to avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes or enabling others to weaponise tribalism.
“The Sex Lives of African Women” by Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah
Although not by a Nigerian author, I remember reading this groundbreaking book and being amazed at Sekyiamah’s bold documentary of women’s sexual experiences. I was amazed that women, particularly African women, were exploring sex in ways I could only imagine. This changed my assumption and limited view of what sex could be.
This documentary, put together in 12 years by Sekyiamah, fiercely encourages women, once defined by society’s limitations, to dare to break free. You deserve to embrace and enjoy your sexual desires. And that helped me on my journey to embracing sexual freedom.
These books have changed my life by broadening my perspective, challenging my assumptions, and introducing me to new ideas and experiences. They have reminded me of the power of storytelling to transform and uplift us.
