Reviews

Tomorrow I Become A Woman by Aiwanose Odafen

annindo_underthesun's review against another edition

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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? No

4.0

favour_sasha's review against another edition

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5.0

This book portrays the height of how women are lowly regarded in the society, how girls are trained differently to meet societal expectations and to be the best wife and mother, how they are trained up to the university level yet they are not allowed to practice in their field, how they will forever remain under someone- their parents and then, their husband.

I was angry throughout the book but it was a good read that simply passed a message. Five Stars because why not?

francescanread's review against another edition

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4.0

Tomorrow I Become a Woman is a poignant exploration of womanhood, tradition, and the complex intersections between personal desire and societal expectations. Set against the backdrop of Nigeria's rich culture, the novel takes us on the emotional journey of main characters navigating the pressures of marriage, family, and independence. The prose is both lyrical and raw, painting vivid pictures of her characters' inner struggles.

stargirlread's review against another edition

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5.0

This book is EVERYTHING. Thank you Aiwanose Odafen.

tolabassey's review against another edition

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5.0

Odafen did an amazing job with this book! I love it when an author does their research and it shows in the pages. From the war to women’s rights and religion in Nigeria, she gave a clear picture through Obianuju’s story and it was a delight to read.

jendella's review against another edition

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emotional 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

4.0

daisy_4l's review against another edition

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emotional informative sad tense 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? Yes

5.0

remreadstoo's review against another edition

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challenging emotional 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? No

4.75

astrid_dream's review against another edition

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slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.25

This story was one I was constantly recommended. I am always skeptical of book recs, and in this case, I had every right to be.

The characters are very flat and dimensional. This is not for a lack of trying on the author's part; almost every character winds up changed by the end of the story. But each character is absolutely an archetype of themselves, with little room to grow beyond it.
We have the stock 'abusive husband', 'African mother who was abused and continues the cycle', 'elders who side with the abusive husband', 'the liberated woman who moves overseas and returns' and of course, the 'first love' a.k.a 'the man the female protagonist would have married in another life'.


There is nothing wrong with simplifying characters, but everyone felt so bland and lifeless. For as much emphasis is placed on the role of women in African society, the book never really focuses on t much at all. There may be lines here and there, some pertinent quotes, but hardly anything more substantial than that.

Most of the plot development happens within the last few pages, leading to a feeling that the story was rushed. I did enjoy the open ending (even if I do suspect that things later went south).

I do not regret reading this story, but my goodness, it won't be revisited anytime soon.

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mwakisha's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75


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