A review by thatothernigeriangirl
Ogadinma: Or, Everything Will Be All Right by Ukamaka Olisakwe
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.