natalier3's review
4.0
This was wonderful. The pain and trauma felt by Ogadinma after her ordeal was so poignantly portrayed by the narrator that I felt it too.
There was a development late on in the book that could have been given more attention. Just when I thought there would be a dramatic twist, nothing happened.
The narrator was incredible, soft soothing tones and she gave the accents and Nigerian details true authenticity
There was a development late on in the book that could have been given more attention. Just when I thought there would be a dramatic twist, nothing happened.
The narrator was incredible, soft soothing tones and she gave the accents and Nigerian details true authenticity
thatothernigeriangirl's review
4.0
Received a review copy from Indigo Press for a Bookstagram Book Tour
This book tells the story of Ogadinma, a 17 yo girl who is exiled to Lagos, from Kano, by her father after a devastating incidence of abuse and exploitation. It’s during her “exile” in Lagos that Ogadinma is cajoled into a life that’s familiar to many women who live in a toxic patriarchal society.
Ogadinma’s character is exceptionally crafted. Olisakwe wrote her in a way that we are aware of her naivety but get occasional glimpse of the woman she would have become had her life gone through the same route most 17 yos go. She eventually become that woman despite her struggles with life and her truncated teenagehood. This character development is so profound that readers can easily lose themselves in their anguish (or judgment) for Ogadinma to stand up for herself that they will forget that she’s a child. Empathy and context is vital to enjoy this book.
I think this is also Olisakwe’s subtle way of challenging how our society immediately ascribe “maturity” to women when they get married so that in cases of domestic violence, the first point of discussion is “why didn’t she leave? There are also other subtle commentaries on the political and social issues rampant in 80s Nigeria.
Although, I think it’s the atmosphere rather than the setting of this book that allows for the beauty of Olisakwe’s writing to manifest itself. The book was set in the 80s but felt like the 2000s. Regardless, the struggles Ogadinma faces and the issues discussed in the book is still very much rampant in our cultures today. The opening chapter where Ogadinma experiences assault brought painful memories of the experiences girls and women shared when the BBC Africa’s Sex for Grades documentary was aired.
I also appreciate the name dropping of notable literary figure like Emecheta, Nwapa and co because it reminds us that Ogadinma’s love for education catalyses the struggles she later faced in her life. Emecheta’s The Joys of Motherhood is particularly important because Nnu Ego, it’s MC, shares a lot with Ogadinma and the latter’s journey to autonomy began when she read the book with more concentration.
If you’re a lover of books with well written characters, I highly recommend you pick up this book.
This book tells the story of Ogadinma, a 17 yo girl who is exiled to Lagos, from Kano, by her father after a devastating incidence of abuse and exploitation. It’s during her “exile” in Lagos that Ogadinma is cajoled into a life that’s familiar to many women who live in a toxic patriarchal society.
Ogadinma’s character is exceptionally crafted. Olisakwe wrote her in a way that we are aware of her naivety but get occasional glimpse of the woman she would have become had her life gone through the same route most 17 yos go. She eventually become that woman despite her struggles with life and her truncated teenagehood. This character development is so profound that readers can easily lose themselves in their anguish (or judgment) for Ogadinma to stand up for herself that they will forget that she’s a child. Empathy and context is vital to enjoy this book.
I think this is also Olisakwe’s subtle way of challenging how our society immediately ascribe “maturity” to women when they get married so that in cases of domestic violence, the first point of discussion is “why didn’t she leave? There are also other subtle commentaries on the political and social issues rampant in 80s Nigeria.
Although, I think it’s the atmosphere rather than the setting of this book that allows for the beauty of Olisakwe’s writing to manifest itself. The book was set in the 80s but felt like the 2000s. Regardless, the struggles Ogadinma faces and the issues discussed in the book is still very much rampant in our cultures today. The opening chapter where Ogadinma experiences assault brought painful memories of the experiences girls and women shared when the BBC Africa’s Sex for Grades documentary was aired.
I also appreciate the name dropping of notable literary figure like Emecheta, Nwapa and co because it reminds us that Ogadinma’s love for education catalyses the struggles she later faced in her life. Emecheta’s The Joys of Motherhood is particularly important because Nnu Ego, it’s MC, shares a lot with Ogadinma and the latter’s journey to autonomy began when she read the book with more concentration.
If you’re a lover of books with well written characters, I highly recommend you pick up this book.
malena_t's review
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Rape, and Sexual violence
bookishtems's review
3.0
I’ve never been so angry at a book and it’s characters. I need to know what was going through the author’s mind when she wrote this book. And the ending? very very disappointing.
bookish_abena's review
Ogadinma bu Ukamaka Olisakwe
Thank you Masobefor this review copy.
Summary: At age 17 Ogadinma is raped which results in an unwanted pregnancy. She has an abortion to terminate the pregnancy. Disappointed by her daughter’s decision to “get pregnant under his roof and later kill the baby” Ogadinma is then sent to live with her uncle in Lagos.
In Lagos, Ogadinma falls in love with an older man and is later pressured into a quick marriage after a short period of dating. Her husband, Tobe, is then arrested by the military government and later loses his status in society and his wealth.
Tobe comes home a completely different man – violent and abusive. Ogadinma is forced to channel all her independence and resourcefulness into finding herself as a woman, her voice and break the weight of cultural expectations.
Review: I would like to say I am impressed by the weighty subjects and themes Olisakwe discusses in this book.
Patriarchal control: In Ogadinma’s case, it started with seeking help to attend the university and being touched inappropriately against her will, then it moved to the marriage to Tobe which led to total dependence on him and his family as her caretakers (even for her meals and her clothes), later to the beatings her husband gave her. The African society is patriarchal. There are distinct gender roles. Women are expected to marry, have children, keep their marriage and their homes whilst being available sexually for their husbands. For a woman to break free from this control, she would have to first unlearn these societal expectations, find her voice, and then find herself. I love that Ogadinma’s story highlighted the struggles women must go through and break free from male dominance and control.
Rape and Abuse (Trigger Warnings): I am still shocked and speechless by how Tobe’s family (including Auntie Ngozie) and Ogadinma’s father were quick to protect the man and leave the sufferer of the abuse.
Ukamaka Olisakwe’s book Ogadinma is set in Nigeria in the 1980’s. But some part of the story felt like 2022. Issues of girls/women being touched inappropriately against their will, rape and domestic violence are still ongoing in our society today.
Described as a modern feminist classic, I think Olisakwe did an exceptional job raising issues that need to be critically looked at. We must, as a society, unlearn and break free from these cultural expectations.
This book stressed me out so much. The friendship between Ogadinma and Ejiro is the only thing that gave me joy.
Also, I learned about the military rule before and during Muhammudu Buhari in the 1980s.
Thank you Masobefor this review copy.
Summary: At age 17 Ogadinma is raped which results in an unwanted pregnancy. She has an abortion to terminate the pregnancy. Disappointed by her daughter’s decision to “get pregnant under his roof and later kill the baby” Ogadinma is then sent to live with her uncle in Lagos.
In Lagos, Ogadinma falls in love with an older man and is later pressured into a quick marriage after a short period of dating. Her husband, Tobe, is then arrested by the military government and later loses his status in society and his wealth.
Tobe comes home a completely different man – violent and abusive. Ogadinma is forced to channel all her independence and resourcefulness into finding herself as a woman, her voice and break the weight of cultural expectations.
Review: I would like to say I am impressed by the weighty subjects and themes Olisakwe discusses in this book.
Patriarchal control: In Ogadinma’s case, it started with seeking help to attend the university and being touched inappropriately against her will, then it moved to the marriage to Tobe which led to total dependence on him and his family as her caretakers (even for her meals and her clothes), later to the beatings her husband gave her. The African society is patriarchal. There are distinct gender roles. Women are expected to marry, have children, keep their marriage and their homes whilst being available sexually for their husbands. For a woman to break free from this control, she would have to first unlearn these societal expectations, find her voice, and then find herself. I love that Ogadinma’s story highlighted the struggles women must go through and break free from male dominance and control.
Rape and Abuse (Trigger Warnings): I am still shocked and speechless by how Tobe’s family (including Auntie Ngozie) and Ogadinma’s father were quick to protect the man and leave the sufferer of the abuse.
Ukamaka Olisakwe’s book Ogadinma is set in Nigeria in the 1980’s. But some part of the story felt like 2022. Issues of girls/women being touched inappropriately against their will, rape and domestic violence are still ongoing in our society today.
Described as a modern feminist classic, I think Olisakwe did an exceptional job raising issues that need to be critically looked at. We must, as a society, unlearn and break free from these cultural expectations.
This book stressed me out so much. The friendship between Ogadinma and Ejiro is the only thing that gave me joy.
Also, I learned about the military rule before and during Muhammudu Buhari in the 1980s.
megannewsome's review
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
usikholor's review
5.0
This story was so beautifully told. I fell in love with Ogadinma after a while and I think her reality is the truth of many young females in Nigeria.
17 year olds are not usually mature enough to make any life changing decisions but she was forced into a lifestyle she could not fully understand.
It is such an important feminist book and I'm grateful for Ukamaka Olisakwe's voice.
17 year olds are not usually mature enough to make any life changing decisions but she was forced into a lifestyle she could not fully understand.
It is such an important feminist book and I'm grateful for Ukamaka Olisakwe's voice.
katxuez's review
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5