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Ogadinma: Or, Everything Will Be Alright
Ogadinma Or, Everything Will be All Right tells the story of the naïve and trusting teenager Ogadinma as she battles against Nigeria's societal expectations in the 1980s. After a rape and unwanted pregnancy leave her exiled from her family in Kano, thwarting her plans to go to university, she is sent to her aunt's in Lagos and pressured into a marriage with an older man.
When their whirlwind romance descends into abuse and indignity, Ogadinma is forced to channel her independence and resourcefulness to escape a fate that appears all but inevitable. Ogadinma, the UK debut by Ukamaka Olisakwe, introduces a heroine for whom it is impossible not to root, and announces the author as a gifted chronicler of the patriarchal experience.
‘An intimate and dazzling exploration of the life and times of a young Nigerian woman whose move to the capital city of Lagos leads to a series of encounters, which are by turns disorienting, revelatory and tragic.’ Christopher Merrill, author of Self-Portrait with Dogwood
‘Written in vivid, engaging prose, this is the story of one woman’s journey to independence.’ Chinelo Okparanta, author of Under the Udala Trees and Happiness, Like Water: Stories
When their whirlwind romance descends into abuse and indignity, Ogadinma is forced to channel her independence and resourcefulness to escape a fate that appears all but inevitable. Ogadinma, the UK debut by Ukamaka Olisakwe, introduces a heroine for whom it is impossible not to root, and announces the author as a gifted chronicler of the patriarchal experience.
‘An intimate and dazzling exploration of the life and times of a young Nigerian woman whose move to the capital city of Lagos leads to a series of encounters, which are by turns disorienting, revelatory and tragic.’ Christopher Merrill, author of Self-Portrait with Dogwood
‘Written in vivid, engaging prose, this is the story of one woman’s journey to independence.’ Chinelo Okparanta, author of Under the Udala Trees and Happiness, Like Water: Stories
Audible Audio
First published June 18, 2020
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About the author
Ukamaka Olisakwe
6 books92 followersUkamaka Olisakwe is a Nigerian novelist, short story writer and screenwriter. In 2014 she was chosen as one of Sub-Saharan Africa’s most promising writers under the age of 40 by Africa 39. She was born in Kano, Nigeria, and in 2016, was a resident at the University of Iowa’s International Writing Program.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 255 reviews
December 20, 2020
Many thanks to W F Howes for gifting me a copy of this amazing audiobook via Netgalley, in exchange for my impartial review.
Trigger and Content Warning: Rape, Physical Abuse, Domestic Violence, Substance abuse (alcohol), Abortion, and Post Partum Depression.
This was a raw, powerful, and heartbreakingly beautiful book. I felt so many negative feelings while reading this. They weren't towards the author or her work (which was superb) but towards a lot of the characters and the events the main character went through because of them.
Ogadinma, the eponymous character, went through hell, even from the opening chapters of a book. Set in Nigeria (even though it was set a couple of decades from now), there were so many elements and events and I could relate with, and I'm sure a lot Nigerian born and bred readers will relate with when they read this. Ogadinma's story starts out with her (desperate) search for admission into the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. She had other options she could have easily gotten into, like a university in the North. As a result of tribal and political tensions rocking Nigeria at the time, her father deemed it safer for her to school in the East, so the only option acceptable was UNN. That led her to the tiger's den, the tiger being Barrister Chima. Her experience with Barrister Chima was traumatizing and led to her life as she knew it falling apart.
The author did the most amazing job of weaving so many things together at the start of the book, and working these things to serve as a catalyst for the next part of Ogadinma's story. After her father sent her off to Lagos following her abortion, she's thrust into a new life and blindsided into a relationship, and later marriage with Tobe, her aunt's brother who's almost twice her age. Still as a result of her experiences with Barr Chima, she sees Tobe as a much better person than he actually is, and she glosses over so many red flags. When things take a turn for the worse in Tobe's life due to the military rule in the country, Tobe becomes a monster and Ogadinma gets more than she ever bargained for.
Ogadinma grew up without a mother, and her father who had been everything to her from her childhood, became something else entirely because of "purity culture". Her aunty Ngozi was also another very terrible character in this book. They did nothing but blame Ogadinma for her trauma and abuse, and led her to the slaughterhouse more than once.
I really wish I could say all I want to regarding this masterpiece, but that would result in spoiling it for a lot of readers, and I want you to read this book with a fresh set of eyes and experience everything as freshly and rawly as I did.
The author delved into a lot of important themes and topics, and shed light on many things. She discussed Post Partum Depression, domestic abuse, sexual liberation, how the victim is blamed over and over for their abuse, and so many other things. She not only discussed them, but she did this expertly.
The narration was really something. On one hand, I really love Adjoa Andoh and her narration on other books. She wasn't needed here. This is a Nigerian book set in Nigeria with Igbo primary characters. An Igbo narrator should have done the narration here because the pronunciation of the names was so off. I got so many names wrong and I had to keep replaying at the slowest speed. I'm still not sure I got a lot of the names right.
I breezed through this book in less than 4 hours because it was so good and I just had to know how Ogadinma's story ended. It was really worth it and I loved every bit of it. I highly recommend this book for all readers.
Trigger and Content Warning: Rape, Physical Abuse, Domestic Violence, Substance abuse (alcohol), Abortion, and Post Partum Depression.
This was a raw, powerful, and heartbreakingly beautiful book. I felt so many negative feelings while reading this. They weren't towards the author or her work (which was superb) but towards a lot of the characters and the events the main character went through because of them.
Ogadinma, the eponymous character, went through hell, even from the opening chapters of a book. Set in Nigeria (even though it was set a couple of decades from now), there were so many elements and events and I could relate with, and I'm sure a lot Nigerian born and bred readers will relate with when they read this. Ogadinma's story starts out with her (desperate) search for admission into the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. She had other options she could have easily gotten into, like a university in the North. As a result of tribal and political tensions rocking Nigeria at the time, her father deemed it safer for her to school in the East, so the only option acceptable was UNN. That led her to the tiger's den, the tiger being Barrister Chima. Her experience with Barrister Chima was traumatizing and led to her life as she knew it falling apart.
The author did the most amazing job of weaving so many things together at the start of the book, and working these things to serve as a catalyst for the next part of Ogadinma's story. After her father sent her off to Lagos following her abortion, she's thrust into a new life and blindsided into a relationship, and later marriage with Tobe, her aunt's brother who's almost twice her age. Still as a result of her experiences with Barr Chima, she sees Tobe as a much better person than he actually is, and she glosses over so many red flags. When things take a turn for the worse in Tobe's life due to the military rule in the country, Tobe becomes a monster and Ogadinma gets more than she ever bargained for.
Ogadinma grew up without a mother, and her father who had been everything to her from her childhood, became something else entirely because of "purity culture". Her aunty Ngozi was also another very terrible character in this book. They did nothing but blame Ogadinma for her trauma and abuse, and led her to the slaughterhouse more than once.
I really wish I could say all I want to regarding this masterpiece, but that would result in spoiling it for a lot of readers, and I want you to read this book with a fresh set of eyes and experience everything as freshly and rawly as I did.
The author delved into a lot of important themes and topics, and shed light on many things. She discussed Post Partum Depression, domestic abuse, sexual liberation, how the victim is blamed over and over for their abuse, and so many other things. She not only discussed them, but she did this expertly.
The narration was really something. On one hand, I really love Adjoa Andoh and her narration on other books. She wasn't needed here. This is a Nigerian book set in Nigeria with Igbo primary characters. An Igbo narrator should have done the narration here because the pronunciation of the names was so off. I got so many names wrong and I had to keep replaying at the slowest speed. I'm still not sure I got a lot of the names right.
I breezed through this book in less than 4 hours because it was so good and I just had to know how Ogadinma's story ended. It was really worth it and I loved every bit of it. I highly recommend this book for all readers.
Read
July 10, 2022This is not a book of supreme triumph or extreme character development. It is a book that will vex the reader and at times, my anger was directed at 98% of the characters who featured in these pages. I have no rating for this book, just thoughts…
I realized I was overwhelmed, looking for a release that would never come.
Ogadinma is a girl I want to hug and shake at the same time. I wanted to find every ounce of strength I had and pour it into her. Raped multiple times by different men. She was overrun by every adult she came across because she was trained to be servant-like without realizing it. At 17, aiming to get into university and with no protection from a parent, led to her need to please every person she encountered. Even when her innocence was taken and she was shipped off, she was following directives. Her one choice for so long was the abortion she had. This is a book about physical loss and the loss of oneself during a time when Nigeria had its worst election. Set in the 1980s, NPN ruled through violence and arson, and it met Ogadinma at her doorstep.
I opened the pages, viewing Ogadinma as childlike. So naïve and with so much belief in people that continued to let her down. It took so much hardship for her to understand why her mother left her as a child and why her hero, her father, shipped his own sister off once she became pregnant. Ogadinma’s abortion at 17 brought disgrace to her father, who wanted her to attend university. Once he shipped her off from Kano to Lagos, she ran into the arms of a man (Tobe) whose red flags blossomed in mere weeks. His red flags showed her that he was a little man who could not take ownership of his faults, but he could beat her until she was unconscious, only to wake up with her baby boy delivered. Blaming his weakness on her resulted in her being sent to a preacher who raped her for numerous nights. This story questions the meaning of family as her father and aunt tell her to endure the abuse of her husband, but she meets a neighbor EIjro, who nurtures her and shows her that women can be independent alongside a man.
“She should confront Aunty Ngozi, ask what she knew about the preacher, if she knew what he did to women. But she sank back, sighed. What was the point, though? This would only make matters worse. As a girl, she saw what happened to girls who spoke up about their rape, how their parents punished and blamed them, and everyone isolated and treated them like things cursed by the gods. Her initial bravado deserted her, left her feeling hollow”.
Ogadinma Or, Everything Will Be All Right, is trauma after trauma with the imbalance of society’s power. The imbalance between men and women and the fucked-up position a woman should take. There is no room for healing under the gaze of a system that has set up women to carry the burden. Though I did not much care for the ending, I appreciated Olisakwe showing how postpartum does not have to be diagnosed to be present.
Olisakwe found a way to address rape, postpartum, classism, faith, war, family, abuse, depression, skin bleaching, and the viewpoint of men who lack the understanding of a woman’s body in 256 pages, and yet I cannot rate this book.
September 22, 2020
The author tried to cramp up a lot of topics into this book but failed miserably to create an impact.
The first 15 chapters of this book is dedicated to a submissive, homely Ogadinma surviving in a heavily patriarchal society, where she is raped, flogged, subjected to domestic violence, emotional abuse, you name it... and all of a sudden, starting Chapter 16, after suffering from a bout of postpartum depression, there is a change in her character portrayal. Viola! Our Damsel in distress is hooking up with her ex-husband's married friend, putting her thoughts forward without any inhibitions, standing up for women in a public place and answering back to nosy friends when they are pestering her about marriage.
I tried very hard but was unable to empathize with the protagonist and root for her when she eventually started fighting back. Very immature literature and character development.
This book gave me a headache... I am surprised I finished it.
The first 15 chapters of this book is dedicated to a submissive, homely Ogadinma surviving in a heavily patriarchal society, where she is raped, flogged, subjected to domestic violence, emotional abuse, you name it... and all of a sudden, starting Chapter 16, after suffering from a bout of postpartum depression, there is a change in her character portrayal. Viola! Our Damsel in distress is hooking up with her ex-husband's married friend, putting her thoughts forward without any inhibitions, standing up for women in a public place and answering back to nosy friends when they are pestering her about marriage.
I tried very hard but was unable to empathize with the protagonist and root for her when she eventually started fighting back. Very immature literature and character development.
This book gave me a headache... I am surprised I finished it.
February 1, 2021
This book raises many important feminist issues which is why I wanted to read it. However I did not find the characters to be very believable. In the first scene, Ogadinma finds herself in a terrible situation where she knows exactly what is going to happen to her and why but is powerless to do anything to stop it. After this, Ogadinma becomes inexplicably naive and trusting of people despite the terrible things that have already happened. A lot more things happen and Ogadinma remains the same right up until the end where This sudden change was not believable for me. Perhaps if it had happened gradually, but there was not enough depth to the characters to allow for this
January 11, 2021
So many societal and cultural issues even religious defects are laced in this book from child marriage , to patriarchy and misogyny to rape and abuse. The book has rendered me speechless and I’m happy Ogadinma decides to live life on her own terms and put her happiness first.
February 24, 2024
While the author was unknown to me, the narrator (Adjoa Andoh) was not, and that was the main reason I took a chance on this Audible freebie. Overall I enjoyed it and have been thinking about it a bit in the days since finishing, but not for the usual reasons.
Nigeria has incredible literary talent, and I've read some amazing novels by Nigerian writers. Where I think this novel is slightly different from others I've read, is that the traumas are more recognisably universal. The misogyny, the domestic violence, dare I say the rape - they all seemed familiar and not necessarily a result of cultural/tribal values or traditions. Olisakwe creates a strong sense of place and populates it with characters that are for the most part, recognisable, even if some of the situations they find themselves in, are not.
Nigeria has incredible literary talent, and I've read some amazing novels by Nigerian writers. Where I think this novel is slightly different from others I've read, is that the traumas are more recognisably universal. The misogyny, the domestic violence, dare I say the rape - they all seemed familiar and not necessarily a result of cultural/tribal values or traditions. Olisakwe creates a strong sense of place and populates it with characters that are for the most part, recognisable, even if some of the situations they find themselves in, are not.
September 16, 2020
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.
September 3, 2022
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.
October 21, 2021
One of my biggest takeaways from the book is the importance of speaking up in any relationship. If you have to keep quiet to make other people comfortable then you're enabling them. I'm glad she eventually broke free and started living life on her terms.
September 23, 2021
this ended so abruptly
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September 15, 2020Described as a 'feminist classic in the making', Ogadinma is the story of a young woman's journey to independence, battling everything the patriarchal, 1980s Nigerian society throws her way. From the beginning, she dreams of going to university, but an unwanted pregnancy (CW: rape & domestic abuse) leaves her exiled and crushes her university plans.
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It's a tough book to read content-wise, as it seems at times like every bad thing that could happen to Ogadinma, does. But I think Olisakwe balances the character well - she's not infallibly strong, carelessly brushing off every tragic incident, nor is she defined by those tragic things. She's described as a 'heroine you can't help but root for', and I would have to agree with that!
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Although the content takes some stomaching, it's a joy to read in terms of style, which makes for a bit of a paradoxical reading experience. Sometimes I wanted to take a break from the horror, but Olisakwe's style is so smooth and readable that I couldn't help but carry on. Plus, there is some relief from the horror in the friendship between Ogadinma and Ejiro, I loved that. I also always enjoy it when an author can weave some historical context into a personal story - which Olisakwe does brilliantly here.
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I will definitely read anything else Olisakwe publishes in the future, as I just love her writing! She does have another book already, I'm not sure how readily available it is but I'll be checking!
.
It's a tough book to read content-wise, as it seems at times like every bad thing that could happen to Ogadinma, does. But I think Olisakwe balances the character well - she's not infallibly strong, carelessly brushing off every tragic incident, nor is she defined by those tragic things. She's described as a 'heroine you can't help but root for', and I would have to agree with that!
.
Although the content takes some stomaching, it's a joy to read in terms of style, which makes for a bit of a paradoxical reading experience. Sometimes I wanted to take a break from the horror, but Olisakwe's style is so smooth and readable that I couldn't help but carry on. Plus, there is some relief from the horror in the friendship between Ogadinma and Ejiro, I loved that. I also always enjoy it when an author can weave some historical context into a personal story - which Olisakwe does brilliantly here.
.
I will definitely read anything else Olisakwe publishes in the future, as I just love her writing! She does have another book already, I'm not sure how readily available it is but I'll be checking!
August 14, 2021
(4.5/5)
As I picked the book and began reading it, at first I was fascinated. But as the story was moving and materialising, I felt the writer was moving too fast with scenes. But I later came to love it. Slow-paced stories can be a haven for me, but fast-paced ones, when told well, captivates me.
I couldn't believe I was rooting for Ogadinma and Tobe from the beginning even though the relationship was pedophilic. I felt bad for her when the rape happened and she had to be sent to Lagos from Kano to marry Tobe. And when she started courting Tobe and life was moving swiftly, I was rooting for their relationship because it felt perfect. Until it turned sour. Then, I began to resent Tobe. I began to resent everyone around Ogadinma.
I feel the story was well told. The writer was entertaining and as the scenes moved, I couldn't wait to get to another scene.
Seeing that Ogadinma left the relationship was reassuring. I loved the woman she became but when she became reckless, I felt somehow, but I liked women who rebelled against what they have moulded to be by society. But I'd have loved to see an Ogadinma who rebelled but still became successful. The author ended the story abruptly.
If a sequel is coming, I will buy it. My God. A modern day feminist classic and a masterpiece.
As I picked the book and began reading it, at first I was fascinated. But as the story was moving and materialising, I felt the writer was moving too fast with scenes. But I later came to love it. Slow-paced stories can be a haven for me, but fast-paced ones, when told well, captivates me.
I couldn't believe I was rooting for Ogadinma and Tobe from the beginning even though the relationship was pedophilic. I felt bad for her when the rape happened and she had to be sent to Lagos from Kano to marry Tobe. And when she started courting Tobe and life was moving swiftly, I was rooting for their relationship because it felt perfect. Until it turned sour. Then, I began to resent Tobe. I began to resent everyone around Ogadinma.
I feel the story was well told. The writer was entertaining and as the scenes moved, I couldn't wait to get to another scene.
Seeing that Ogadinma left the relationship was reassuring. I loved the woman she became but when she became reckless, I felt somehow, but I liked women who rebelled against what they have moulded to be by society. But I'd have loved to see an Ogadinma who rebelled but still became successful. The author ended the story abruptly.
If a sequel is coming, I will buy it. My God. A modern day feminist classic and a masterpiece.
September 24, 2020
Excellent read! Oh my, this is for those who have a stomach for violence and endurance. I love the prose. It took me a while to sympathise with Ogadinma, but at the end, the journey was worth it!
I highly recommend this book!
I highly recommend this book!
November 14, 2021
Super triggering!!!
Want to read
April 27, 2021Queued.
March 5, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ this was such a beautiful read. I like that the author did not waste time with fluff and got to the point immediately from chapter 1. It was such a quick read but very enjoyable although the book deals with heavy themes, such as abuse. However it also covers topics like friendship and feminism. I would say this is a well balanced books because there are also portrayal of good men. I thoroughly enjoyed Ogadinma - a tough journey to finding het true self.
December 18, 2023
This book made me so sad... but beautiful.
September 16, 2020
At 17, an incident of abuse forces Ogadinma to leave behind dreams of university, and life with her father in Kano. Now thrust into Lagos, her aunt’s firm push sees her falling in love and married to 35-year-old verbally and physically abusive Tobe. However, trials brought on by the political landscape means that Ogadinma will have to find the strength to flee before it is too late.
First, it is a credit to Ukamaka Olisakwe’s writing that this fast-paced novel comes across effortlessly and engaging. The difficult content rarely weighs it down, although there are moments that take your breath away. Teen marriage, domestic violence, rape, abuse and postpartum depression are handled deftly but not dispassionately.
One would think this is entirely joyless given the issues but there's humour in the language, and warmth from the familiarity of the culture, food, smells and sounds of everyday Nigeria, I enjoyed the author’s fluid use of Igbo, pidgin and even a dash of Yoruba.
Although our setting is the 1980s Nigeria (Lagos and Kano mostly), the above give it a contemporary and authentic feel with politics keeping us tethered to the past. This feeling spreads beyond the atmosphere as the patriarchal nature of Nigerian society persists. The author cites similar reasons, however, further inspired by her marriage at 19 and the urge to capture this moment in history, a time where girls in their teens were leaving the familial for their martial homes.
I enjoyed that the author honours the legacy of Nigerian literature, evident in the references to other women writers such as Buchi Emechetta and Flora Nwapa.
Readers may find themselves conflicted by Ogadinma's character, hard to define and easily moulded by others desires and her escape may rankle given that it relies upon generosity and access to another man.
I didn’t particularly enjoy the end and I wish that the author had tied off loose ends more cleanly.
Also, is it entirely believable that one character can experience so much? My answer; yes it is because nothing felt new, alarming or refutable.
Overall, this is a well written and thought-provoking critique of history and cultural practices that continue to exist.
First, it is a credit to Ukamaka Olisakwe’s writing that this fast-paced novel comes across effortlessly and engaging. The difficult content rarely weighs it down, although there are moments that take your breath away. Teen marriage, domestic violence, rape, abuse and postpartum depression are handled deftly but not dispassionately.
One would think this is entirely joyless given the issues but there's humour in the language, and warmth from the familiarity of the culture, food, smells and sounds of everyday Nigeria, I enjoyed the author’s fluid use of Igbo, pidgin and even a dash of Yoruba.
Although our setting is the 1980s Nigeria (Lagos and Kano mostly), the above give it a contemporary and authentic feel with politics keeping us tethered to the past. This feeling spreads beyond the atmosphere as the patriarchal nature of Nigerian society persists. The author cites similar reasons, however, further inspired by her marriage at 19 and the urge to capture this moment in history, a time where girls in their teens were leaving the familial for their martial homes.
I enjoyed that the author honours the legacy of Nigerian literature, evident in the references to other women writers such as Buchi Emechetta and Flora Nwapa.
Readers may find themselves conflicted by Ogadinma's character, hard to define and easily moulded by others desires and her escape may rankle given that it relies upon generosity and access to another man.
I didn’t particularly enjoy the end and I wish that the author had tied off loose ends more cleanly.
Also, is it entirely believable that one character can experience so much? My answer; yes it is because nothing felt new, alarming or refutable.
Overall, this is a well written and thought-provoking critique of history and cultural practices that continue to exist.
December 31, 2020
Set in Kano and Lagos, Nigeria, Ogadinma tells the story of a teenage girl who faced quite a lot of unfortunate situations and although the tag was ‘a modern feminist classic’, I didn’t really get that from the book. I mean, if anything, it reminded we the readers how deeply patriarchal the Nigerian culture is and how much women have to go through on a daily.
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I found quite a few things interesting.
- How the adults who basically ‘forced’ her into a marriage were made to seem like they actually care about her. That’s typically not how these cases present but I like how Ukamaka wrote about these family members from her father to her uncle and aunty. It’s very important to note that it doesn’t always present in the forceful way we know. I remember shaking my head when her father asked her if she really wanted to marry Tobe (if she’d said no, I’m pretty sure they would’ve convinced her to anyway) and to some that is consent when in actuality it is abuse. She was 17..... 🥴
- How naive she was. I mean she made statements alluding to the fact that she knew exactly what she was doing and even knew how ridiculous she must’ve looked to others but never spoke up for herself. I just wasn’t seeing a naive girl at some point, I saw a young girl who was traumatized and wanted to please everyone because she blamed herself for the trauma. I kept trying to picture myself at 17 and at first the inability to speak for herself was infuriating, I quickly remembered her first traumatic experience and noted how that might’ve contributed to her just accepting anything without protest. Tackling her felt like victim blaming.
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Ukamaka writing style is quite simple and straightforward which I liked. She referenced the joys of motherhood which was ironic. I don’t want to give out spoilers. Being in an abusive marriage or relationship is so different from reading about it online or watching a movie about it. We live in a society where abuse thrives because when you leave or put the abuse on social media, family members come and in the recent viral case, the governor of the state comes in to ‘settle’ and make peace. I mean, where does one even start from after that?
____
I found quite a few things interesting.
- How the adults who basically ‘forced’ her into a marriage were made to seem like they actually care about her. That’s typically not how these cases present but I like how Ukamaka wrote about these family members from her father to her uncle and aunty. It’s very important to note that it doesn’t always present in the forceful way we know. I remember shaking my head when her father asked her if she really wanted to marry Tobe (if she’d said no, I’m pretty sure they would’ve convinced her to anyway) and to some that is consent when in actuality it is abuse. She was 17..... 🥴
- How naive she was. I mean she made statements alluding to the fact that she knew exactly what she was doing and even knew how ridiculous she must’ve looked to others but never spoke up for herself. I just wasn’t seeing a naive girl at some point, I saw a young girl who was traumatized and wanted to please everyone because she blamed herself for the trauma. I kept trying to picture myself at 17 and at first the inability to speak for herself was infuriating, I quickly remembered her first traumatic experience and noted how that might’ve contributed to her just accepting anything without protest. Tackling her felt like victim blaming.
___
Ukamaka writing style is quite simple and straightforward which I liked. She referenced the joys of motherhood which was ironic. I don’t want to give out spoilers. Being in an abusive marriage or relationship is so different from reading about it online or watching a movie about it. We live in a society where abuse thrives because when you leave or put the abuse on social media, family members come and in the recent viral case, the governor of the state comes in to ‘settle’ and make peace. I mean, where does one even start from after that?
February 13, 2021
Like every young girl, Ogadinma has the dream to gain admission into the university and study literature. Like most girls in our society today, those dreams were shattered after a chain of bad events and poor decisions.
____^
Omo × 4000
I honestly feel that this should be a book that every woman/ girl should read because most women have silently experienced or are currently experiencing what Ogadinma went through. I must warn you at some point you will feel like killing so many characters in this book.
_____
I don't think I can emphasise it loud enough. Please do not marry out a female child before they attain the level of maturity they need to become a wife and a mother. At some point in this book I forgot that Ogadinma was between the age of 16 - 19. This book covers the theme of child marriage, rape, patriarchy, misogyny and domestic violence.
_____
I honestly don't want to rant about this book because I would definitely drop spoilers, please get a copy it is worth the read. Just know that at some point we all wished we could kill Tobe, his sister and Ogadinma's father (you are not alone if you eventually feel this way)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
____^
Omo × 4000
I honestly feel that this should be a book that every woman/ girl should read because most women have silently experienced or are currently experiencing what Ogadinma went through. I must warn you at some point you will feel like killing so many characters in this book.
_____
I don't think I can emphasise it loud enough. Please do not marry out a female child before they attain the level of maturity they need to become a wife and a mother. At some point in this book I forgot that Ogadinma was between the age of 16 - 19. This book covers the theme of child marriage, rape, patriarchy, misogyny and domestic violence.
_____
I honestly don't want to rant about this book because I would definitely drop spoilers, please get a copy it is worth the read. Just know that at some point we all wished we could kill Tobe, his sister and Ogadinma's father (you are not alone if you eventually feel this way)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2024
a story of a young woman's journey battling everything the patriarchal 80's Nigerian society throws at her.
TW: rape,domestic violence, abortion
TW: rape,domestic violence, abortion
December 25, 2021
Olisakwe’s debut novel Ogadinma follows the story of a young girl ogadinma whose life changed drastically after a rape and an abortion.
I was so angry with the lawyer, he took advantage of Ogadinma’s naivety and raped her, I was hurting on behalf of Ogadinma, that she laid there and willed herself to leave the body so the lawyer can do whatever he wanted, I felt her pain, she, alone, confused and taken advantage of. He did not even help her in the end. That changed the cause of Ogadinma’s life forever .
Her father was one person I was very angry with, how he beat Ogadinma after the abortion and exiled her to Lagos to stay with his brother. How he quickly concluded that Ogadinma was spoilt for getting pregnant, being so angry with her and only forgiving her after she came back with a man to marry. To him , it was the marriage that wiped the shame Ogadinma had brought on him. Even how he quickly disowned her when she got the courage to leave Tobe.
And then there is Tobe, Ogadinma’s husband, once loving and the next abusive. Telling her he only does that because he loves her. How is love abusive? Sadly this book though fictional is a vivid representation of society. The burden placed on women, the blame they take for men’s failure. Look how Ogadinma was easily blamed for the failures of Tobe meanwhile it was Tobe who refused to listen to wisdom. His failing was as a result of his own doing.
How women are shamed and expected to behave a certain way to be acceptable in society.
I liked how Ogadinma took over her life,how she started sleeping with Kelechi and boldly stopped it when she didn’t want it anymore. She taking charge of her life was something I was happy to see.
I was however annoyed that she runaway and left her baby. The baby did not even do anything to her, he did not even ask to be born. Yet he had to suffer for it. I liked her friend, who stood by her. Her uncle’s wife who is Tobe’s sister was really vexing me in the book especially the latter part. Asking her to endure and not speak about her family matters outside.
Nnanna is the kind of cousin we all hope to have in our family, who would give us all the support we need and stand by us even when they do not know the story. They believe that whatever actions we took, it was the best at that particular time.
The themes in this book are parenting, love , rape, domestic abuse, marriage, post-partum depression, hardship, family,political unrest’s
This book is a good read.
I was so angry with the lawyer, he took advantage of Ogadinma’s naivety and raped her, I was hurting on behalf of Ogadinma, that she laid there and willed herself to leave the body so the lawyer can do whatever he wanted, I felt her pain, she, alone, confused and taken advantage of. He did not even help her in the end. That changed the cause of Ogadinma’s life forever .
Her father was one person I was very angry with, how he beat Ogadinma after the abortion and exiled her to Lagos to stay with his brother. How he quickly concluded that Ogadinma was spoilt for getting pregnant, being so angry with her and only forgiving her after she came back with a man to marry. To him , it was the marriage that wiped the shame Ogadinma had brought on him. Even how he quickly disowned her when she got the courage to leave Tobe.
And then there is Tobe, Ogadinma’s husband, once loving and the next abusive. Telling her he only does that because he loves her. How is love abusive? Sadly this book though fictional is a vivid representation of society. The burden placed on women, the blame they take for men’s failure. Look how Ogadinma was easily blamed for the failures of Tobe meanwhile it was Tobe who refused to listen to wisdom. His failing was as a result of his own doing.
How women are shamed and expected to behave a certain way to be acceptable in society.
I liked how Ogadinma took over her life,how she started sleeping with Kelechi and boldly stopped it when she didn’t want it anymore. She taking charge of her life was something I was happy to see.
I was however annoyed that she runaway and left her baby. The baby did not even do anything to her, he did not even ask to be born. Yet he had to suffer for it. I liked her friend, who stood by her. Her uncle’s wife who is Tobe’s sister was really vexing me in the book especially the latter part. Asking her to endure and not speak about her family matters outside.
Nnanna is the kind of cousin we all hope to have in our family, who would give us all the support we need and stand by us even when they do not know the story. They believe that whatever actions we took, it was the best at that particular time.
The themes in this book are parenting, love , rape, domestic abuse, marriage, post-partum depression, hardship, family,political unrest’s
This book is a good read.
December 30, 2020
Feeling emotionally raw after finally finishing this book.
Ogadinma for me, is one of those books that I find so compulsive that I do not want to put it down and yet at the same time cannot bear to carry on reading as it really unsettled me. Trigger warnings for those considering reading: rape, domestic violence.
I personally found the domestic violence scenes the most difficult to read and digest. I always struggle with these scenes in books and Ogadinma was no exception. This is not to say Ukamaka Olisakwe does not handle these scenes and subject matter with care, but I think in particular this was a little bit of a struggle for me.
Despite this, I think the book packs punch and real sharp social critique from the beginning. Ogadinma is struggling to get into university and finds herself victim to a crooked older lawyer. This results in her father shipping her off to live with her Aunty and Uncle where she must make a new life. Throughout the book there is a strong focus on how the patriarchal structures and the men in Ogadinma's life try to takeover. There is also a strong focus on government corruption, violence, spritiual punishment and disorder in the state of Nigeria.
Despite the heaviness of the book and the fact that much of Ogadinma's family were awful, Olisakwe really showed the strength of women. Ogadinma's friend Ejiro was an excellent character, who cared and supported her. Ogadinma herself was a testament to the strength of women and even the women in this book I didn't like (Aunty Ngozi looking at you) showed they had the intelligence, the intiative and were the real driving forces in the family.
Ogadinma is certainly a book that will stick with me, it got under my skin in a way I didn't expect and gripped my heart as I felt so strongly for Ogadinma. In the end I found beauty in the strength and confidence that blossomed in Ogadinma but this was by no means an easy journey. A powerful and evocative novel that has been branded a new feminist classic, and I would not disagree at all.
Thank you to @theindigopress for the gifted copy.
Ogadinma for me, is one of those books that I find so compulsive that I do not want to put it down and yet at the same time cannot bear to carry on reading as it really unsettled me. Trigger warnings for those considering reading: rape, domestic violence.
I personally found the domestic violence scenes the most difficult to read and digest. I always struggle with these scenes in books and Ogadinma was no exception. This is not to say Ukamaka Olisakwe does not handle these scenes and subject matter with care, but I think in particular this was a little bit of a struggle for me.
Despite this, I think the book packs punch and real sharp social critique from the beginning. Ogadinma is struggling to get into university and finds herself victim to a crooked older lawyer. This results in her father shipping her off to live with her Aunty and Uncle where she must make a new life. Throughout the book there is a strong focus on how the patriarchal structures and the men in Ogadinma's life try to takeover. There is also a strong focus on government corruption, violence, spritiual punishment and disorder in the state of Nigeria.
Despite the heaviness of the book and the fact that much of Ogadinma's family were awful, Olisakwe really showed the strength of women. Ogadinma's friend Ejiro was an excellent character, who cared and supported her. Ogadinma herself was a testament to the strength of women and even the women in this book I didn't like (Aunty Ngozi looking at you) showed they had the intelligence, the intiative and were the real driving forces in the family.
Ogadinma is certainly a book that will stick with me, it got under my skin in a way I didn't expect and gripped my heart as I felt so strongly for Ogadinma. In the end I found beauty in the strength and confidence that blossomed in Ogadinma but this was by no means an easy journey. A powerful and evocative novel that has been branded a new feminist classic, and I would not disagree at all.
Thank you to @theindigopress for the gifted copy.
February 9, 2024
Book Review💫
📖Ogadinma or everything will be alright
✍️ Ukamaka Olisakwe @msolisakwe
This book was set in the 80s (during the military regime).
Ogadinma, the eponymous character went through a series of unfortunate circumstances. It all started with her desperate desire to gain admission into the University of Nigeria Nuskka and this led her into the hand of Barrister Chima, who raped her and got her pregnant, being a 17-year-old girl all she could think of was a way to terminate the pregnancy, she succeeded and when her father learned about this, she was exiled from her family in Kano to Lagos, hindering her plans to go to the university.
When she settled in Lagos Ogadinma was pressured into marrying an older man(Tobe), for a moment, Tobe seemed like the best man for her, but when things came crumbling down their whirlwind romance descended into abuse, pain, and resentment, Ogadinma is forced to channel all her independence and resourcefulness into finding her voice and strength in the face of abuse and cultural expectations.
This book covers the theme of Child marriage, Domestic violence, Physical abuse, rape, patriarchy, misogyny, postpartum depression, societal expectation, and feminism
Reading Ogadinma was an emotional roller coaster, I felt so many emotions, from fear, pain, anger, resentment, etc.
Some major takeaways I got from this book include
💫Getting a good Education as a lady
💫Marrying Right
💫Getting a skill and getting a means of making your own money as a lady.
💫Saying no to early marriage.
I love @msolisakwe's Writing skills, she writes so well and I love the settings of the book, the time it took place, and the themes of the book, but I also felt Ogadinma's story was not complete, regardless of anything Ukamaka Olisakwe did an excellent job writing "Ogadinma" and I would love to read more of her books.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📖Ogadinma or everything will be alright
✍️ Ukamaka Olisakwe @msolisakwe
This book was set in the 80s (during the military regime).
Ogadinma, the eponymous character went through a series of unfortunate circumstances. It all started with her desperate desire to gain admission into the University of Nigeria Nuskka and this led her into the hand of Barrister Chima, who raped her and got her pregnant, being a 17-year-old girl all she could think of was a way to terminate the pregnancy, she succeeded and when her father learned about this, she was exiled from her family in Kano to Lagos, hindering her plans to go to the university.
When she settled in Lagos Ogadinma was pressured into marrying an older man(Tobe), for a moment, Tobe seemed like the best man for her, but when things came crumbling down their whirlwind romance descended into abuse, pain, and resentment, Ogadinma is forced to channel all her independence and resourcefulness into finding her voice and strength in the face of abuse and cultural expectations.
This book covers the theme of Child marriage, Domestic violence, Physical abuse, rape, patriarchy, misogyny, postpartum depression, societal expectation, and feminism
Reading Ogadinma was an emotional roller coaster, I felt so many emotions, from fear, pain, anger, resentment, etc.
Some major takeaways I got from this book include
💫Getting a good Education as a lady
💫Marrying Right
💫Getting a skill and getting a means of making your own money as a lady.
💫Saying no to early marriage.
I love @msolisakwe's Writing skills, she writes so well and I love the settings of the book, the time it took place, and the themes of the book, but I also felt Ogadinma's story was not complete, regardless of anything Ukamaka Olisakwe did an excellent job writing "Ogadinma" and I would love to read more of her books.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
September 8, 2020
Read this book!
This was a powerful book, at times quite a difficult read, It is sure to infuriate anyone who supports women's rights, as it highlights the injustices against Nigerian women in the 1980s.
I was listening to an audiobook version, read by one of my favourite narrators, Adjoa Andoh. I just love the varied accents she uses for Nigerian speech, yet she can divert easily to an English accent for the narration.
Ogadinma is just seventeen when we meet her. She is a young Nigerian woman, living with her father, after her mother left them when she was small. Her one dream is to gain admittance to a university. To do this she needs the help of someone with contacts to support her university admission. Her father is advised that Barrister Chima could help, so Ogadinma goes to visit him in his office. This is her first bad move and leads to a sequence of events that spirals downwards from then on. I don't want to spoil the story for others, I actually feel that the book's introduction already tells too much.
What hit me most about this book was that women weren't just targeted when out on the street, unprotected by friends or relatives, but that often, the perpetrators were just as likely to be people in a position of trust. Yet, once violated, it becomes a disgrace for a woman to even mention it, so the men are never judged for their actions.
In the book there is a sense of things changing, of women just starting to get the beginnings of some freedom. Now, 40 years down the line, I wonder how much has changed.
Highly recommended and a good read for book clubs.
This was a powerful book, at times quite a difficult read, It is sure to infuriate anyone who supports women's rights, as it highlights the injustices against Nigerian women in the 1980s.
I was listening to an audiobook version, read by one of my favourite narrators, Adjoa Andoh. I just love the varied accents she uses for Nigerian speech, yet she can divert easily to an English accent for the narration.
Ogadinma is just seventeen when we meet her. She is a young Nigerian woman, living with her father, after her mother left them when she was small. Her one dream is to gain admittance to a university. To do this she needs the help of someone with contacts to support her university admission. Her father is advised that Barrister Chima could help, so Ogadinma goes to visit him in his office. This is her first bad move and leads to a sequence of events that spirals downwards from then on. I don't want to spoil the story for others, I actually feel that the book's introduction already tells too much.
What hit me most about this book was that women weren't just targeted when out on the street, unprotected by friends or relatives, but that often, the perpetrators were just as likely to be people in a position of trust. Yet, once violated, it becomes a disgrace for a woman to even mention it, so the men are never judged for their actions.
In the book there is a sense of things changing, of women just starting to get the beginnings of some freedom. Now, 40 years down the line, I wonder how much has changed.
Highly recommended and a good read for book clubs.
June 4, 2022
"The very idea of sleeping again in the same apartment with him filled her with terror, and she felt a headache coming. Her mind was webbed with utmost fear. She was convinced that he would find another reason to hurt her again. She imagined that next time, he could pin her to the wall and drive his fist into her good eye, over and over, until it erupted into a gooey mess."
While I was reading this book, I couldn't help but allow streams of tears to flow freely from my face - I am not exaggerating.
The protagonist (Ogadinma) went through hell because the society she lives in sees women as second-class citizens.
She was raped at the age of seventeen which led to her getting pregnant. She aborted the pregnancy because she was scared of her dad and the society.
Her dad got to find out about the abortion and sent her to his brother that lives in Lagos (Nigeria).
Her uncle took her in, nurtured her and all that. During her time in Lagos, she met and later got married to a man that is way older than her; the marriage was the beginning of the end for her.
The writer's wordplay, humor, and choice of words are near perfect.
While I was reading this book, it was as if I could feel everything the protagonist was/is feeling; it felt so so real.
If you are a fan of African literature and Feminism, you shouldn't pass a chance to read this book.
While I was reading this book, I couldn't help but allow streams of tears to flow freely from my face - I am not exaggerating.
The protagonist (Ogadinma) went through hell because the society she lives in sees women as second-class citizens.
She was raped at the age of seventeen which led to her getting pregnant. She aborted the pregnancy because she was scared of her dad and the society.
Her dad got to find out about the abortion and sent her to his brother that lives in Lagos (Nigeria).
Her uncle took her in, nurtured her and all that. During her time in Lagos, she met and later got married to a man that is way older than her; the marriage was the beginning of the end for her.
The writer's wordplay, humor, and choice of words are near perfect.
While I was reading this book, it was as if I could feel everything the protagonist was/is feeling; it felt so so real.
If you are a fan of African literature and Feminism, you shouldn't pass a chance to read this book.
April 18, 2022
Dark times make us question if everything will be fine. The optimistic among us revel in the belief that things will definitely be fine in the end without caring about how turbulent times may be at present. It is better than letting dark moments consume us. Well I choose to believe that Ogadinma; everything will be alright – but with action.
Ukamaka Olisakwe wrote of a naive Nigerian female teenager in the 80s whose name is the title of this novel. She wanted an education, to go to the university and study literature but things went awry and the novel spins us in what we read as Ogadinma's chain of misfortunes in the hands of men and a misogynistic society that tramples upon women through abuse of power, rape, domestic abuse, violence, extremism, toxic masculinity. I didn't like the main character and her choices, actions and even inactions most of the time, even up until the end but if there's one thing I know, it is that a woman's right and voice must never be snatched away through excuses tagged as obligations. Ogadinma was raped several times, married and pressured into being the perfect wife and mother which rivaled her mental health and made her slip into post partum depression. Well the book unfolds a lot and the unfortunate events got exhausting which is the reality most women face today in society.
Ukamaka Olisakwe wrote of a naive Nigerian female teenager in the 80s whose name is the title of this novel. She wanted an education, to go to the university and study literature but things went awry and the novel spins us in what we read as Ogadinma's chain of misfortunes in the hands of men and a misogynistic society that tramples upon women through abuse of power, rape, domestic abuse, violence, extremism, toxic masculinity. I didn't like the main character and her choices, actions and even inactions most of the time, even up until the end but if there's one thing I know, it is that a woman's right and voice must never be snatched away through excuses tagged as obligations. Ogadinma was raped several times, married and pressured into being the perfect wife and mother which rivaled her mental health and made her slip into post partum depression. Well the book unfolds a lot and the unfortunate events got exhausting which is the reality most women face today in society.
April 4, 2022
// Ogadinma by Ukamaka Olisakwe
TW : Rape, Abortion, Domestic Violence, Substance Abuse.
Ogadinma means Everything Will Be All Right in Igbo but the protagonist's life is anything but that. Before you proceed, perhaps I should tell you about the many triggering points in this novel starting from Ogadinma's rape when she's just seventeen. This marks the beginning of a long and intense journey that the young girl has to undertake in a very patriarchal African society. There are a lot of triggering points in the novel, from rape to domestic abuse but what makes it worse is the commanality of such instances happening in many households. Although it started off as a promising novel, somewhere after the second part, it all fell apart.
Ogadinma has a dream to attend University but without perfect scores and influence it is almost impossible for anyone to secure a seat. And so she visits one of her father's friend to seek some help only to be raped in return. She is then sent away to live with her aunt in the city who sets her up with her brother. Tobe is a charming man with a big smile and kind eyes, immediately putting her at ease. But beneath his eyes is a darkness that she fails to notice. The story also follows the political situation of Nigerian, which ultimately triggered Tobe's mean streak.
This is undoubtedly a feminist novel but the end felt rushed. What was until then a carefully written book, now changed to something that was running at full speed towards a hazy finish line. I've read my share of African literature which highlights toxic masculinity and patriarchy so certain aspects of this book didn't surprise me. For many reasons, i couldn't completely empathize with the young protagonist.
I'd still recommend this book to others. The writing is quite impressive for a debut novel and I'll certainly be on the lookout for Ukamaka's future works.
TW : Rape, Abortion, Domestic Violence, Substance Abuse.
Ogadinma means Everything Will Be All Right in Igbo but the protagonist's life is anything but that. Before you proceed, perhaps I should tell you about the many triggering points in this novel starting from Ogadinma's rape when she's just seventeen. This marks the beginning of a long and intense journey that the young girl has to undertake in a very patriarchal African society. There are a lot of triggering points in the novel, from rape to domestic abuse but what makes it worse is the commanality of such instances happening in many households. Although it started off as a promising novel, somewhere after the second part, it all fell apart.
Ogadinma has a dream to attend University but without perfect scores and influence it is almost impossible for anyone to secure a seat. And so she visits one of her father's friend to seek some help only to be raped in return. She is then sent away to live with her aunt in the city who sets her up with her brother. Tobe is a charming man with a big smile and kind eyes, immediately putting her at ease. But beneath his eyes is a darkness that she fails to notice. The story also follows the political situation of Nigerian, which ultimately triggered Tobe's mean streak.
This is undoubtedly a feminist novel but the end felt rushed. What was until then a carefully written book, now changed to something that was running at full speed towards a hazy finish line. I've read my share of African literature which highlights toxic masculinity and patriarchy so certain aspects of this book didn't surprise me. For many reasons, i couldn't completely empathize with the young protagonist.
I'd still recommend this book to others. The writing is quite impressive for a debut novel and I'll certainly be on the lookout for Ukamaka's future works.
April 14, 2022
CHECK CW/TW
Ogadinma is a book set in 1980. It’s about a young naive girl that is being thrown into series of unfortunate events and the books tells us how Ogadinma fights her way out of it.
This book was so well written, the author tells the story in a way that draws you in and no matter how frustrated and angry you get, you probably won’t stop reading till the end. While reading this book, I had to constantly remind myself that it was just fiction because it hit a little too close to home especially in my line of work, having personally handled/seen cases like this frequently in my practice, I was so mad at how careless the people that were suppose to protect her reacted to her situation and how it was easily disregarded.
Because when we look at Ogadinma’s story as sad as it was to imagine, it is the reality of alot of woman in my country were they put their marriages before their lives and have to endure several forms of abuse to “save” their marriage, the lack of support from families and society when they decide to break free and finally, society placing their worths on their marital status and the constant reminder of the so called duties of a wife.
As much as I enjoyed this book, I was a bit disappointed with how it turned out towards the end. As much as I tried to understand the decisions Ogadinma made, I still had my own sentiments and I just felt like it didn’t do justice to the plot and we eventually got no resolution.
I think this book will make for a good book club read, there’s so much to unfold and rave about but it’s important that you approach this book with the right knowledge incase it might be triggering.
Ogadinma is a book set in 1980. It’s about a young naive girl that is being thrown into series of unfortunate events and the books tells us how Ogadinma fights her way out of it.
This book was so well written, the author tells the story in a way that draws you in and no matter how frustrated and angry you get, you probably won’t stop reading till the end. While reading this book, I had to constantly remind myself that it was just fiction because it hit a little too close to home especially in my line of work, having personally handled/seen cases like this frequently in my practice, I was so mad at how careless the people that were suppose to protect her reacted to her situation and how it was easily disregarded.
Because when we look at Ogadinma’s story as sad as it was to imagine, it is the reality of alot of woman in my country were they put their marriages before their lives and have to endure several forms of abuse to “save” their marriage, the lack of support from families and society when they decide to break free and finally, society placing their worths on their marital status and the constant reminder of the so called duties of a wife.
As much as I enjoyed this book, I was a bit disappointed with how it turned out towards the end. As much as I tried to understand the decisions Ogadinma made, I still had my own sentiments and I just felt like it didn’t do justice to the plot and we eventually got no resolution.
I think this book will make for a good book club read, there’s so much to unfold and rave about but it’s important that you approach this book with the right knowledge incase it might be triggering.
May 6, 2024
A difficult book given the subject matter but with a narrative style that is not in the least bit sensationalist, maybe not as traumatic as other similar books I have read. I felt that Ogadinma was a very believable character given her background, even if that did make her frustrating as (with some notable exceptions) she seemed to lack any agency for much of the book. Sadly as much as we love to read about strong heroines good people trapped in bad systems do not always have the tools to overcome their circumstances and Ogadinma for much of the book is a good example of that. There is hope in the end however - even if the actions leading to it are again rather understated and I appreciated it more for that.
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