Author: Dr Ndiweteko Jennifer Nghishitende (Page 6 of 6)

Author: Aida Edemariam
Published: 2018
Formats Available: Kindle, Audible, Paperback, Hardback
Setting: Ethiopia

The Wife’s Tale book review

Introduction

Aida Edemariam’s The Wife’s Tale: A Personal History is a profoundly moving and beautifully written biography that brings to life the remarkable journey of Yetemegnu, the author’s grandmother. Set in Ethiopia, the book spans nearly a century, capturing the personal and political transformations that shaped Yetemegnu’s life.

Book Summary

The Wife’s Tale book review unpacks Yetemegnu’s life. Married off at a shockingly young age—less than ten years old—Yetemegnu became the wife of an influential priest and community leader, a man much older than her who called her “my child.” He was intelligent and composed, both a loving husband and a strict disciplinarian. While he supported her through complicated pregnancies and cherished their children, he also exercised physical discipline in ways that, at times, became brutal. Yetemegnu fled her marital home with her children in one instance, only to return after elders intervened. Over time, however, her husband changed, and the physical chastisement stopped. Together, they endured both joy and immense grief, raising multiple children while also experiencing the pain of child loss.

A devout Catholic, Yetemegnu turned to the Virgin Mary for guidance, often crying out in prayer: “Oh Lady, Lady, come to our aid.” Her faith was a source of strength as she navigated life’s hardships, particularly after the death of her husband when she was dispossessed of her land. She fiercely petitioned authorities, including Emperor Haile Selassie, first for her husband’s freedom during his imprisonment and later for her children’s education and well-being.

Yetemegnu’s story is of endurance, witnessing and surviving pivotal historical events. She lived through the Italian invasion of Ethiopia, the rise and fall of Haile Selassie, famine, and political instability. She petitioned before emperors, fought for her family’s survival, and never wavered in her determination. Her resilience, sharp wit, and unwavering spirit make her a formidable and inspiring figure.

After thoughts and writing style

I first read this book in 2018 when it was released on Kindle, and it was an eye-opening journey into Ethiopia’s history and culture. In 2025, I revisited it as an audiobook narrated by the exceptional Adjoa Andoh. The narration was outstanding, enriched by actual interview recordings, which added an even more intimate and authentic touch to an already deeply personal story. The Kindle edition also features photographs of Yetemegnu and her family over the years, including a powerful image of her with her children after her husband’s death—perfectly capturing the moment Aida Edemariam so vividly describes in the book.

Aida’s writing is lyrical, captivating, and deeply immersive. She masterfully weaves together historical and personal narratives, painting vivid scenes that transport the reader. One particularly striking moment in Chapter 5 describes Yetemegnu returning home to find it looted and vandalised—the bedroom “yawning at the sky.” Another memorable passage details Yetemegnu’s work with cotton, rendered with such rich imagery that it feels tangible.

Accolades and Recommendations

It’s no surprise that The Wife’s Tale won the RSL Ondaatje Prize (2019) and was recognized as both an Economist Book of the Year and a CBC Book of the Year.

This book is a breathtaking tribute to an extraordinary woman. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in history, resilience, and the power of storytelling. An absolutely remarkable read.

About the author:

Aida Edemariam is an Ethiopian-Canadian journalist and author. She is now based in the UK and has worked as a journalist for The Guardian and other major publications, covering a range of topics from politics to culture. Her writing often explores themes of history, memory, and personal narratives.

Book Details

First Published: 2021
Buy Book HERE

Book Review

Introduction

“Freedom – I feel most free when I am myself: stripped of all pretenses, lounging naked on my bed, my boobies freely rolling wherever they choose.”

Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah’s The Sex Lives of African Women is a phenomenal book that delves into themes of self-discovery, agency, identity, and the deeply personal journeys of African women navigating sex, love, and relationships. It touches on an incredible range of intersectional topics—non-heteronormativity, disability, long-distance relationships, online dating, marriage, polyamory, polygamy, religion, culture, spirituality, and much more. This book impacted me so deeply that I’ve listened to it three times in three years.

Book Summary

The book is structured as a collection of short stories, sharing the intimate and deeply personal experiences of 32 African women from various countries. Their narratives are divided into three themes: Self-Discovery, Freedom, and Healing. Through their voices, we hear stories of agency, resilience, abuse (sexual, physical, and emotional), genital mutilation, motherhood, societal pressures, and personal transformation.

As the title reflects, the book is not simply about sex as an act but about the choices African women make regarding their bodies, desires, and identities. One striking aspect is how the women in these stories firmly define themselves while society attempts to impose labels and expectations upon them. Many of them describe going without sex for long periods. For example, Yami narrates her journey of celibacy. Other women also narrated how they would go lengthy periods without sex, either by choice or circumstance.

Reflections

As an African woman, I found it both refreshing and powerful to hear women speak so openly about sex, intimacy, and self-discovery—topics that are often considered taboo in many African communities. The book sheds light on subjects that are rarely discussed and offers a much-needed perspective on female sexuality, relationships, and autonomy.

It was especially intriguing to hear women openly embrace polyamory, rejecting the societal expectation of monogamy. In many African contexts, men having multiple lovers is normalised, but a woman who dares to do the same faces shame—even from other women.

Another fascinating aspect is the diversity of perspectives across different ages. Some women who share their stories are over 50 and speak about the liberation they have found in defining their paths in love and relationships. Themes of resilience and overcoming adversity run throughout the book, with stories like those of Philester and Kuchenga standing out. Kuchenga’s reflections on relationships with Black men were particularly refreshing.

This book is even more personal because the author reserved the last story for herself, sharing her journey alongside those of the women she interviewed. This decision ties everything together beautifully, making the book feel even more intimate and impactful.

Narration and Recommendation

The audiobook’s narrators did an excellent job of bringing these stories to life, making the listening experience even more immersive.

This book is a must-read (or listen). It challenges perceptions, sparks essential conversations, and amplifies voices that are too often silenced. I wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone—whether for personal reflection, learning, or the joy of hearing African women speak their truths.

About the Author

Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah is a Ghanaian feminist, writer, and activist known for her work on sexuality, gender, and women’s rights. She is the author of The Sex Lives of African Women, a critically acclaimed book that explores the diverse sexual experiences of African women across the continent and the diaspora. Sekyiamah is also the co-founder of Adventures from the Bedrooms of African Women, a pioneering blog that creates space for African women to discuss sex, pleasure, and relationships openly. She has worked extensively in feminist advocacy and is currently the Director of Communications and Media at the Association for Women’s Rights in Development (AWID).

If you’re interested in stories about African women navigating identity, resistance, and agency, read our review of [Tomorrow I Become a Woman by Aiwanose Odafen].

Publication Date: 2021
Available Formats: Buy Book HERE

Book Review

Introduction

Nearly All the Men in Lagos Are Mad by Damilare Kuku – What a title! I was immediately drawn to this book just by its name—I was curious to find out why nearly all the men in Lagos were “mad”! I habitually never read blurbs before diving into a book, so titles play a significant role in my reading choices. This one intrigued me, and I suspected it would explore relationships and everything that comes with them and the realities of dating in Nigeria.

Summary

This collection of 12 short stories did not disappoint! Each one had me laughing out loud, and I thoroughly enjoyed the ride. The stories revolve around dating, romantic entanglements, and the many relationships we navigate in life. While humorously told, they are deeply rooted in the realities of everyday life—love, family, sex, friendship, betrayal, religion, wealth, and more. The stories capture the complexities of human connections, exposing secrets, lies, and the masks people wear in relationships.

As always, I opted for the Audible version, and the narrators, Anniwaa Buachie and Thabang Makhubela, delivered an outstanding performance. I loved the passion and humour with which they brought the stories to life. There’s something special about African books being narrated by Africans—it adds an authenticity that truly enhances the listening experience. Only an African can read those “ah ah!!” moments with the gusto and intention they require! Kudos to both narrators, especially Anniwaa Buachie, who truly elevated the storytelling.

Reflection and Recommendation

I loved this book so much that I listened to it twice.

I genuinely enjoyed every single story, but if I had to pick favourites, they would be (in no particular order):

• Chuck-Up
• The Anointed Wife
• Lover’s Vendetta
• Catfish
• Beard Gang

I wholeheartedly recommend this book—whether you read or listen to it, you’re in for a treat!

About the Author

Damilare Kuku is a Nigerian writer, actress, and filmmaker. Nearly All the Men in Lagos Are Mad is her best-selling book. I hope to read and review her 2024 novel Only Big Bumbum Matters Tomorrow. Damilare has also worked as a radio presenter, scriptwriter, and director.

If you enjoy Nigerian women’s storytelling, check out our review of [Tomorrow I Become a Woman by Aiwanose Odafen]

Book Details

Author: Aiwanose Odafen, a Nigerian writer
Published: 2022
Format Read: Audible
Other Available Formats: Kindle, Hardcover, Paperback

Book Review

Tomorrow I Become a Woman, Aiwanose Odafen’s debut novel, tells the compelling yet all-too-familiar story of Obianuju, a young woman growing up in 1970s Nigeria who endures the harsh realities of patriarchy. Obianuju begins her journey as a promising university student with dreams of pursuing a master’s degree after graduation. However, these ambitions are abruptly cut short when she succumbs to societal pressures and marries Gozie, a handsome and charismatic bachelor highly regarded within their church.

At just 21 years old, Obianuju’s initial hesitations about marrying Gozie are overshadowed by her mother’s relentless pleas for her to settle down. What follows is a tumultuous marriage, with Gozie’s authoritarian nature stripping Obianuju of her agency and autonomy. While her brothers do their best to protect her, her mother plays a central role in sustaining the patriarchy that binds Obianuju. Viewing Gozie as a reflection of her long-lost late brother, Ikenna, Obianuju’s mother becomes his staunch supporter, scolding her daughter whenever she speaks out and siding with Gozie no matter the circumstances.

This novel serves as a stark reminder of how women can perpetuate patriarchal structures, sometimes becoming active participants in the cycle of abuse. Obianuju’s mother and the women from her church epitomize this troubling reality. Yet, the book also offers nuance, reminding us that Obianuju’s mother belonged to a different era, one in which her understanding of gender roles and societal expectations was deeply entrenched. Despite this context, the lack of love and support Obianuju receives from her mother throughout the story is heartbreaking.

Obianuju, however, symbolizes hope and resistance. She raises her children differently, determined to break the generational cycle of oppression. Amid mounting pressure from her family and church, she finds the strength to take extraordinary action to reclaim her freedom. Her story is a testament to the complexity, resilience, and courage of women who fight for their autonomy even in the bleakest circumstances.

Throughout the novel, I found myself deeply moved, particularly by the dynamics between Obianuju and her mother. At times, I felt distraught over her mother’s unwavering complicity in Obianuju’s suffering. While the book begins at a slower pace, it eventually gains momentum, becoming nearly impossible to put down. Readers will need patience, but the payoff is well worth it.

Overall, this novel is brilliantly written. Though fictional, it resonates deeply with the lived experiences of many women. It serves as both a tragic reminder of the fragility of women under patriarchy and a powerful narrative of hope and resistance. Aiwanose Odafen has crafted a story that not only highlights the challenges faced by women but also celebrates their strength and determination to rise above them.

If you enjoyed this novel, you might also like our review of [Rootless by Krystle Zara Appiah]

About the Author
Aiwanose Odafen is a Nigerian feminist writer and storyteller. Born in Lagos, she holds a first-class degree in accounting from Covenant University and an MBA from the University of Oxford. Her debut novel, Tomorrow I Become a Woman (2022), was featured in Brittle Paper’s “100 Notable African Books of 2022.” She is also the author of We Were Girls Once (2024). A graduate of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Purple Hibiscus Writing Workshop and a current MFA candidate at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, Odafen is dedicated to writing honest, powerful stories about women’s lives. Learn more at aiwanose.com.