Nigerian Men Will Stain Your White

by Alexandria Humphrey

The novella revolves around the life of Efua Johnson, a woman of Ghanaian descent living in Lagos with her Nigerian husband. She faces an immense dislike from her mother-in-law who is not in support of the marriage because she is not a Yoruba woman. The two women are always involved in heated discussions and an exchange of not-too-subtle insults. On the other hand, her friends struggle constantly to navigate the Nigerian dating pool. Being the only married one, they come to her for advice and she willingly lends a shoulder to cry on when they need it. Efua’s marriage seems perfect, but is it really or is there a terrifying secret threatening to break the mirage that has been her life?

Genres: African Literature, Nigeria, Africa

140 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 4, 2023

Reviews

[Tiana🦋 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just knew there was a problem immediately I saw his name was Femi 😂😂

[Stitching Ghost · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are stories in this book but there's no sense of there being a plot. The characters had potential as young seemingly a little immature women but by the end they all felt unrealized and perhaps in an utterly bleak fashion that was somehow the point?

[Maniki_021 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Given the title of the book, I expected a lot more drama, but it ended up being bland and boring for what the title suggested. It’s a quick and light read, interesting enough to keep turning the pages, but it’s not very engaging. The story isn’t well developed and lacks depth. It felt like reading a Facebook diary or watching a TikTok video where someone chats about their relationship and friends, or like listening to a love story on a radio show. Because it’s so shallow, the characters aren’t developed enough to carry the story and plot. The book is all over the place, switching between first and third person. I was expecting 419ers, drug lords, cheaters, criminals, and all that, but it fell flat and was way too predictable. I wasn’t entirely satisfied, and it felt rushed, but I did enjoy it overall.

[Jess.bookrecs · Rating 4 out of 5]

OH MY GOSH!
OH. MY. GOSH.😭
Where is the remaining part of the book because OH MY! I’m clutching my pearls 😭

_______________

At first I was going to give this a 3 stars because even though it’s entertaining and had me cackling up a storm, the writing took time to grow on me.
I love the strong female friendships portrayed in this and ughh😭 it just made me miss uni so damn but cause me and my girls were all together then!!
As the story went on, I had to increase my rating because guys💀
When I say my jaw was unhinged, believe me because MY. JAW. WAS. UNHINGED😭
I even cried a little for Bola because that has to be so freaking embarrassing and honestly I would crawl into a hole and never come out if that happened to me😭

_________________

FEAR MEN! FEAR MEN!
I enjoyed myself sha but GODFORBID this type of evil.

[Amaka Azie]

3.5

It was a fun read. Like watching a sleazy but catchy reality show.
4 friends, 4,woeful love lives.
The end was funny.
I hate cliffhangers but i didn’t expect much going into this book so it was not that surprising.
I expected more from the title. More premium shege from Naija men like I usually see on social media.
Men marrying several wives without telling any of the wives, men sleeping with the house helps, men cheating with their wives family members, men stealing women’s money and using it on other women, men lying about their fertility… I mean, simple cheating didn’t justify this title. Even if it’s cheating with another man.
I expected more sha.
But the story was fun.
I loved the female friendships most.

[Ini Adeyemi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nigerian Men Will Stain Your White was a light read, but honestly, it felt more like scrolling through a Twitter thread than reading a book. The writing just wasn’t it, and there was zero character development, with no real flow to the story. It all felt a bit unfinished, like there was potential but no follow-through. Don’t get me wrong, I love a light read, but I really wish more effort had been put into the structure and plot. It could’ve been so much more.

[Maureen Nzambi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating 3.8 ⭐️

It ended and I was like where is the rest? Is there a part 2? It ended on a cliffhanger.
The book is about Efua and her girlfriends. The main stories is on their friendship and romantic relationships in their lives. The upside to this book is its a short read, laughed at a few of the scenes, the flow if the story. Downside, it ended abruptly and left a lot of questions.

[Queen Latifa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think the book has a good storyline, but I personally don’t think the writing was great. Reading this felt like reading a book draft that has not yet been edited. The writing was a bit tacky.

Otherwise, it was an okay book. The ending was definitely unexpected.

[Ruth]

It was simply a light read. Nothing deep. Girls gossiping and living their lives while at it. Reminds me of Magherita wednesdays in Sweet Magnolias. I wasn't expecting the ending though...lol

[Serene Thamm · Rating 4 out of 5]

MY HONEST OPINION:

I have heard a lot of people talking about how Nigerian Men will show you pepper and stuff but this book??? Woah....
I don't know if it is the Nigerian in me or something in me is extremely broken and needs repair cause I suspected foul play at the beginning of this book when the MC (Efua) tells her story and how she met her husband although not detailed, I just couldn't shake off that weird feeling I had reading this book that something was going to go wrong soon and I won't find it funny on behalf of the MC but then the author had an impeccable way of hiding loopholes though my feelings were stronger...
Also her friends are the real deal...

MY REVIEW:

NMWSYW, is a book I'd settle for whenever I feel the urge to have a glimpse at the different kinds of shegge Nigerian men will show you.. You know that feeling when you are in need of some vawulence in your system - this is the perfect book. The authors choice of words are so relatable and as a Nigerian it's more like a basic understanding for me, I had my own share of butterflies and side giggles when I came across some parts - though I feel that Efua's side of story isn't giving me the drama I looked forward to (Maybe because she is Ghanaian or maybe because I am too Nigerian and I love drama) because I feel like she is supposed to notice the signs, I mean it's a woman thingy or is not?... The author really pulled the stops at the ending but don't leave us for to long some of us are still learning the act of patience..

[Sonia's Tales · Rating 4 out of 5]

OMG!!!!!! 😱😱
I enjoyed this story. Nigerian men will indeed stain your white! What was that ending??!!!! God abegg! 😭😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

The accuracy of the title>>> The story follows Efua, a Ghanaian woman, married to a Yoruba demon, FEMI. While this woman kept assisting women whose men were cheating on them, she was oblivious to the fact that her darling beloved was the CHIEF CHEAT. How she found out was a very funny scenario and I thank God that her alleged "backstabbing" friend was vindicated.
This was an interesting and quick read. My mouth was left agape at the end of the story. I enjoyed the camaraderie between Efua and her friends. It's something I'd love to have with my friends too.

[Andreia · Rating 1 out of 5]

the writing was....not great.

i was curious about the ending but i fear it wasnt worth the time spent on this novella.

[Oluyemi Adeola · Rating 5 out of 5]

This boookkkk 🤩

[Yewande Akeredolu · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ending!!! Omg 😂

[Edidiong Benjamin Umoh · Rating 2 out of 5]

I expected so much. I'm disappointed
The plot wasn't plotting at all, it just didn't make sense to me. I didn't connect with any of the characters... Everything is wrong with this book.

[Princess Adetunji · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wow... what a captivating novel title

[Lawlah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Will there be a book 2

[Dakid · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. Wasn't great.

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This really shows how cowardly and flawed (Nigerian) men can be. I am so appalled by the ending. 😭

[Nelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Femis never disappoint 😂😂🥹

[Azula · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an okay book. The writing style was a bit bland,but there was a good attempt at unpredictability. It included some scenes I still consider unnecessary unless maybe there is a sequel to this book that would make them relevant.

PS: Fear men.

[Sakina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Felt like reading the draft version of a book before the editors get their hands on it.

I like the chat between friends aspect of this book. And the strong friendship portrayed within.

Summary of the book: Men are bad! Make your own happiness!

[Maramartha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice quick read. Started it yesterday and finished it today.

This story follows four friends: Efua, Kemi, Bola, and Rita. As a big fan of women friendship and sisterhood, I loved seeing this explored. It was refreshing because it's tiring to see stories of Nigerian women pitting against each other. I was also glad to see Efua as a therapist because that's not common in Nigeria. I love how it explores the background of different Nigerian women meeting different Nigerian women. Given the title, it makes sense that they all saw shege with the men, but I expected a difference from Femi. It can't be all bad, right? I knew something was wrong with him, but that was shocking to see. Can't tell if it was for shock value since nothing hinted at it, or I missed the signs.

Now, this story was short, which I'm taking as the reason for the lack of depth with the characters and certain scenes.

For the writing style, the author switched between first person to third person omnipotent at will, so we knew what was happening with everyone and it reduced the level of suspense. I'm a lover of third person limited, so this made it hard for me to get into the story, but once I did, I quickly got over the POV styles. The grammar also switched from present to past a few times, but not enough to stop me from reading.

Given all these, I was still going to give it a 5-star because of how quickly I read it, but the author used the word “baby maker” to describe a man's penis. And I was like, hell no. For this, I can't. I can't. I can't.

Overall, it was a good read. If you're looking for a book filled with humour, banter, girls friendship, set in Nigeria with Nigerian characters, then this is right up your shege alley.

[MsSutania · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nigerian Men Will Stain Your White by Alexandria Humphrey is a captivating novella that explores the complexities of dating in Nigeria, told through the eyes of Efua, a Ghanaian-born, Nigerian-raised woman. Efua is the only married member of her friend group, and the story follows her and her friends as they navigate the turbulent waters of romance and relationships in Lagos.

The novella’s tone is light-hearted and humorous, filled with sharp, witty observations about the ups and downs of love and the sometimes absurd behavior of Nigerian men. If you've enjoyed books like *Nearly All the Men in Lagos Are Mad*, this one will definitely resonate with you. Both books capture the chaotic nature of modern dating, blending drama with humor and sharp cultural insights.

While the story is a short read, the author still manages to give depth to the characters and explore themes of identity, culture, and love, all while weaving in humorous commentary on Nigerian dating culture.

However, my biggest issue with the novella is its ending. Without giving too much away, it doesn’t provide the resolution I was hoping for. It feels more like the beginning of a larger story rather than a self-contained novella, and I found myself wanting to know what happens next . That said, the book does a great job of keeping you engaged, and I can’t deny that I enjoyed the journey, even if I’m left wanting more.

Overall, Nigerian Men Will Stain Your White is an entertaining, quick read that provides plenty of laughs and insights into modern relationships. While the ending was unsatisfying for me, the humor and character-driven storytelling make it worth checking out. I’d rate it a solid 3.5 stars and look forward to more from Alexandria Humphrey.

[Prolific Loner · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a fun read. And unlike the title of the book, I think all men will stain your white😹.
The story follows Efua Johnson, a Ghanaian woman who has lived 95% of her life in Nigeria and has been married to a Nigerian Man named Femi Johnson for five years through which they have a set of twins.
Efua who believed her marriage to be perfect, focused more on her work as a psychiatrist while also being involved in the lives of her three friends who themselves were struggling with the romantic aspects of their lives.
In the end, all three friends of Efua after trying their hands-on relationship ended up burnt, while Efua herself had the shock of her life, finding out that her husband was cheating and could very well be a bisexual.
Although the story was nice, the plot for me did not come out. The style of writing was amateur especially evident in the construction of most of the sentences and phrases, and both the characters and the storyline were not fully developed.
The title of the book suggested a lot of drama but instead, the pages were quite boring but just interesting enough to keep you flipping. Thankfully, it was very short a tale.
This was quite a good start for Nigerian author Alexandria Humphrey; there certainly is more room for improvement 👌. If you are new on the learning-to-read journey, I would recommend this as it is short and light to read. Rating this 2 stars 🌟🌟

[Nicola · Rating 3 out of 5]

My overall rating for this book is ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5 However the last paragraph of this story deserves ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 😀

Efua is a Ghanaian born woman living in Nigeria with her husband Femi and two daughters. This story follows Efua navigating life with her husband, her very rude mother in law 😒 and her three friends, Rita, Kemi and Bola.

I generally gravitate towards books with ‘out of the box’ titles and this was that book for me. Put simply, the story is about the importance of friendship and drama with men. It’s a fun, short, lighthearted story which focuses on the pressures of young women to marry, have children, navigate complications with men, whilst living up to their parent’s expectations.

At times, the writing was not immersive and I felt the structure of the narratives could have been better. All in all, it’s an easy and entertaining read and the themes and drama in this book will bring about endless conversations and will have you asking yourself ‘what would I do?’ 😀🤦🏾‍♀️

If you enjoyed Nikki May’s ‘Wahala’ then read this.

[Noir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you trust your eyes… or someone else’s lies….

I love a short story and this one was definitely worth my time. When I first started this book, I keep thinking the main character is talking to highly of her relationship. But then I thought what’s wrong of speaking highly of the things you love, the things you worked hard for and know you deserve?

Her friends seemed supportive enough and they all had a good bond until the main character swore that her best friend would violate her by messing around with her husband.

The main character was extremely delusional until the very end and to a degree I love this type of delusion. It makes the story have so much more entertaining. Besides most of people are this type of crazy when it comes to our partner believing anything they say… but when someone else questions it consider that person a liar. Not the partner.

This book will make you think twice about having that perfect life.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how Alexandria used the irony to bring out the hypocrisy and negligence of Femi as a medical practitioner and husband that he got so careless as well as Efua's naive and oblivious nature to human behaviour especially when it came to her husband.
I mean imagine being an educated scholar in psychology and later on being played in your face by your own husband for five years🤣🤣🤣. To say she was a good judge of human character, especially when it came to her friends' suitors, then Judas was loyal to Jesus.
Then, we have Dr. Femi Johnson who I'm pretty sure found out about the STI, treated it in secret and did not wait for it to heel before fuckin that naive "My marriage is perfect" Efua infecting her. Aside from breaking his marriage vows, he also violated his medical ethics to keep face in front of his wife by keeping quiet.

[Uche Ezeudu · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book ending had me laughing because I think I could understand what the hype about this book was all about. Yeah, the hype made me read this book.
This book tells the story of four friends who you can say are as tight as thieves and how they navigate their romantic lives, both married and single.
With their romantic lives being the major highlight of this book, we get to see that all that glitters isn't gold as it's from one chaotic experience to the other. Every woman here had their tale of woes to tell about Nigerian men. The tales were ludicrous, to say the least.
However, I had a huge problem with the execution of the story. It was quite amateurish and I just might give the author a pass seeing it's her first published work but it left a whole lot to be desired.
Here is hoping that the author gets better with more works.

[Treasure · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you like the books "Yinka where is your husband and Nearly all the men in Lagos are mad" then you will like this book. I believe, its a short version of both these two books together . We follow a female friendship group of 4, 3 are single and navigating the dating scene in Lagos, whilst the main character and seems like the leader of the group Efua is happily married with twin girls. As a friendship group ,they have weekly brunch, where the discuss their dating experiences and anything else to do with men. The plot twist involving the main character was predictable but I loved the development of the plot twist. I also thoroughly enjoyed the unexpected side chick drama , i didn't see that coming. Overall this book is enjoyable