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We Were Girls Once
'We were complete, as we were meant to be…’
Ego, Zina and Eriife were always destined to be best friends, ever since their grandmothers sat next to each other on a dusty bus to Lagos in the late 1940s, forging a bond that would last generations. But over half a century later, Nigeria is a new and modern country. As the three young women navigate the incessant strikes and political turmoil that surrounds them, their connection is shattered by a terrible assault. In the aftermath, nothing will remain the same as life takes them down separate paths.
For Ego, now a high-powered London lawyer, success can’t mask her loneliness and feelings of being an outsider. Desperate to feel connected to Nigeria, she escapes into a secret life online. Zina’s ambition is to be anyone but herself; acting proves the ultimate catharsis, but it comes at the cost of her family. And Eriife surprises everyone by morphing from a practising doctor to a ruthless politician’s perfect wife.
When Ego returns home, the three women’s lives become entwined once more, as Nigeria’s political landscape fractures. Their shared past will always connect them, but can they – and their country – overcome it?
Ego, Zina and Eriife were always destined to be best friends, ever since their grandmothers sat next to each other on a dusty bus to Lagos in the late 1940s, forging a bond that would last generations. But over half a century later, Nigeria is a new and modern country. As the three young women navigate the incessant strikes and political turmoil that surrounds them, their connection is shattered by a terrible assault. In the aftermath, nothing will remain the same as life takes them down separate paths.
For Ego, now a high-powered London lawyer, success can’t mask her loneliness and feelings of being an outsider. Desperate to feel connected to Nigeria, she escapes into a secret life online. Zina’s ambition is to be anyone but herself; acting proves the ultimate catharsis, but it comes at the cost of her family. And Eriife surprises everyone by morphing from a practising doctor to a ruthless politician’s perfect wife.
When Ego returns home, the three women’s lives become entwined once more, as Nigeria’s political landscape fractures. Their shared past will always connect them, but can they – and their country – overcome it?
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About the author
Aiwanose Odafen
2 books173 followersBorn in Lagos, Nigeria, Aiwanose Odafen is an MFA fiction student at the Iowa Writer's Workshop. She has contributed to published non-fiction works and participated in Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Purple Hibiscus Trust Writing Workshop. She was longlisted for the 2020 Commonwealth Writers Short Story Prize.
As a high school student, she was a gold and silver medalist in the National Mathematics Olympiad Competition. She graduated top of her class with a first-class degree in Accounting and is certified with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, United Kingdom. She holds an MBA from the Said Business School, University of Oxford.
Prior to becoming a writer, Aiwanose worked as a consultant across industries, most recently, in the public health sector with an international NGO, helping to save lives.
Tomorrow I Become a Woman, her first novel, was published by Scribner UK, an imprint of Simon & Schuster UK, in 2022.
As a high school student, she was a gold and silver medalist in the National Mathematics Olympiad Competition. She graduated top of her class with a first-class degree in Accounting and is certified with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, United Kingdom. She holds an MBA from the Said Business School, University of Oxford.
Prior to becoming a writer, Aiwanose worked as a consultant across industries, most recently, in the public health sector with an international NGO, helping to save lives.
Tomorrow I Become a Woman, her first novel, was published by Scribner UK, an imprint of Simon & Schuster UK, in 2022.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
April 2, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
As someone who read the author’s debut, I’m just glad that Uju and Akin’s love continued to blossom. I love a Yoruba man that beats the allegations😉
Now, moving to the actual story of these women who were girls once; before I get into it, I think it’ll be a little hard to talk about this book without referencing “Tomorrow I Become a Woman”, not because I don’t think this book can be a stand-alone, but because a lot of perspective was given in this story.
Without giving spoilers, let’s get into it: it tells the story of Ego, Zina, and Eriife, three friends whose lives are intertwined by a generational bond from their mothers and grandmothers. Ego struggles with loneliness and identity as a lawyer in the UK, Zina pursues acting at a cost, and Eriife slowly abandons her medical practice and transforms into a politician's wife. Trying to stand the test of time in a changing Nigeria, and the respective growth of each woman, their bond is tested, forcing them to confront their past and new reality.
I love that this was written in separate POVs. I found myself skipping Ego’s point of view as a lot of the story was repeated from “Tomorrow I become a woman.” Zina is where the meat is at for me. The only thing that threw me off in this book was the constant real-life political talk, especially in Eriife’s POV. The choice is understandable but not just my cup of tea…ok, maybe I don't care for Eriife as much Lol
This was a brilliant read. Thanks to Simon and Schuster via Net Galley for the ARC.
As someone who read the author’s debut, I’m just glad that Uju and Akin’s love continued to blossom. I love a Yoruba man that beats the allegations😉
Now, moving to the actual story of these women who were girls once; before I get into it, I think it’ll be a little hard to talk about this book without referencing “Tomorrow I Become a Woman”, not because I don’t think this book can be a stand-alone, but because a lot of perspective was given in this story.
Without giving spoilers, let’s get into it: it tells the story of Ego, Zina, and Eriife, three friends whose lives are intertwined by a generational bond from their mothers and grandmothers. Ego struggles with loneliness and identity as a lawyer in the UK, Zina pursues acting at a cost, and Eriife slowly abandons her medical practice and transforms into a politician's wife. Trying to stand the test of time in a changing Nigeria, and the respective growth of each woman, their bond is tested, forcing them to confront their past and new reality.
I love that this was written in separate POVs. I found myself skipping Ego’s point of view as a lot of the story was repeated from “Tomorrow I become a woman.” Zina is where the meat is at for me. The only thing that threw me off in this book was the constant real-life political talk, especially in Eriife’s POV. The choice is understandable but not just my cup of tea…ok, maybe I don't care for Eriife as much Lol
This was a brilliant read. Thanks to Simon and Schuster via Net Galley for the ARC.
February 14, 2024
I really, really wanted to fall in love with this book about female friendship but I just couldn't. It tells a story about three friends against a backdrop of Nigerian political history. Sometimes it seemed to work, other times it felt very disconnected and stilted.
I did appreciate how much effort and research went into this, yet I would have liked to see the three main characters have a bit more depth. We're told about their mothers being best friends however it only feels like we ever get to really know Ego's mother. The rest are glossed over, meaning the reader misses out on getting to know the women who came before our characters.
I do deeply recommend Aiwanose's Tomorrow I Become A Woman, her debut was simply outstanding. This book just didn't quite hit the spot.
I did appreciate how much effort and research went into this, yet I would have liked to see the three main characters have a bit more depth. We're told about their mothers being best friends however it only feels like we ever get to really know Ego's mother. The rest are glossed over, meaning the reader misses out on getting to know the women who came before our characters.
I do deeply recommend Aiwanose's Tomorrow I Become A Woman, her debut was simply outstanding. This book just didn't quite hit the spot.
March 30, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon&Schuster UK for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve read(listened) to the author’s debut and I was blown away. I came into this book expecting something similar and that was not the case.
This book follows the lives of Ego, Zina and Eriife as they navigate political turmoils and their personal lives.
I felt as though said political turmoils was the forefront of the novel and I was reading how the characters react/live with it. There was a lot of politics to cover and it felt a bit much sometimes… UK, US and Nigeria.
As someone who read tomorrow I become a woman, some parts of Ego’s story felt a bit repetitive.
With that being said, I was glad to see how Ego survived her accident in the prior book and how she healed from all the abuse she endured . I found Zina a refreshing character. I unfortunately did not care for Eriife. Loved that Akin and Uju are infact living their best lives.
This book solidifies the fact that at the end of the day, female friendships will save your life
I’ve read(listened) to the author’s debut and I was blown away. I came into this book expecting something similar and that was not the case.
This book follows the lives of Ego, Zina and Eriife as they navigate political turmoils and their personal lives.
I felt as though said political turmoils was the forefront of the novel and I was reading how the characters react/live with it. There was a lot of politics to cover and it felt a bit much sometimes… UK, US and Nigeria.
As someone who read tomorrow I become a woman, some parts of Ego’s story felt a bit repetitive.
With that being said, I was glad to see how Ego survived her accident in the prior book and how she healed from all the abuse she endured . I found Zina a refreshing character. I unfortunately did not care for Eriife. Loved that Akin and Uju are infact living their best lives.
This book solidifies the fact that at the end of the day, female friendships will save your life
November 11, 2024
Expectations met. Brilliant art of work
If you need a sign, this is it!!
Page turner.
If you need a sign, this is it!!
Page turner.
April 27, 2024
Hmmm.
May 3, 2024
“Even in the darkest moments, the universe still managed to breathe new life.”
Aiwanose’s story telling prowess is top notch
It’s the way she incorporated social issues in this story for me
This author is an auto-buy author for me
I loved the friendship bit particularly between Ego and Zina. The part where she stands by her regardless of the consequences to her career, sooo rare.
I enjoyed reading this book.
Thank you for sharing this with us
Keep writing ✍🏼.
Aiwanose’s story telling prowess is top notch
It’s the way she incorporated social issues in this story for me
This author is an auto-buy author for me
I loved the friendship bit particularly between Ego and Zina. The part where she stands by her regardless of the consequences to her career, sooo rare.
I enjoyed reading this book.
Thank you for sharing this with us
Keep writing ✍🏼.
June 10, 2024
Can’t decide between 3.5 & 4 but my rating is somewhere in between. I found this very engaging especially in the beginning and although she almost lost me towards the end, I still enjoyed reading this.
1. The author writes so well. I will be reading anything this author writes.
2. I loved how she incorporated the political aspect for each time frame it was set in - especially because they’re accurate and clearly well researched.
3. This story is told from Ego, Zina & Eriife’s POVs but I found myself more intrigued by Ego’s story & I wish the author gave us more. The others seemed to lack depth - especially Eriife’s part.
4. Loved the bits and pieces of romance she infused in it and it made me have something to look forward to while reading.
5. I could tell this author spends time on twitter - a lot of the dialogue especially the political bits and the tweets felt all so familiar.
6. I will always read books about Nigerian women - I just love us so much.
1. The author writes so well. I will be reading anything this author writes.
2. I loved how she incorporated the political aspect for each time frame it was set in - especially because they’re accurate and clearly well researched.
3. This story is told from Ego, Zina & Eriife’s POVs but I found myself more intrigued by Ego’s story & I wish the author gave us more. The others seemed to lack depth - especially Eriife’s part.
4. Loved the bits and pieces of romance she infused in it and it made me have something to look forward to while reading.
5. I could tell this author spends time on twitter - a lot of the dialogue especially the political bits and the tweets felt all so familiar.
6. I will always read books about Nigerian women - I just love us so much.
October 3, 2024
“And I’d long accepted that in criticising others, we over -inflated our own perceived righteousness. We claimed to loathe power, but in truth, we worshipped it, eager for our own opportunity for a whiff of its nights. In the meantime, we told lies, beautiful lies to appease the conscience we claimed to possess.”
What a magnificent book! Aiwanose writes her characters to such full realisation. The themes she explored being family, politics, sisterhood, religion, social class and everything else was so beautifully woven together.
This book was such an excellent exploration of how ingrained into our personal lives, our very being, politics is. How much it plays a role in the lives we end up living, as oblivious as we are to it.
It was also a reminder of the importance of community and how deep and meaningful friendships can go through the darkest of times but can still redeem us when you least expect it.
This book was so fantastically written, the flow made sense, the vocabulary was incredible and the story was EVERYTHING! I loved this!
What a magnificent book! Aiwanose writes her characters to such full realisation. The themes she explored being family, politics, sisterhood, religion, social class and everything else was so beautifully woven together.
This book was such an excellent exploration of how ingrained into our personal lives, our very being, politics is. How much it plays a role in the lives we end up living, as oblivious as we are to it.
It was also a reminder of the importance of community and how deep and meaningful friendships can go through the darkest of times but can still redeem us when you least expect it.
This book was so fantastically written, the flow made sense, the vocabulary was incredible and the story was EVERYTHING! I loved this!
May 18, 2024
A sequel that can be read as a standalone. Told from the points of view of Ego, Zina and Eriife, daughters of the three friends in Tomorrow I Become a Woman.
Loved Ego’s exploration of racism in England (covert) vs racism in America (overt) and social and political commentary on Nigeria in this book.
The #Metoo movement and how it affects religious leaders in Nigeria was also explored. So was the #EndSARS movement and Covid.
For me, this book hit home more than Tomorrow I Become a woman. Maybe because I could remember some of the events happening.
Aiwanose is an excellent writer! This is such a good book.
Loved Ego’s exploration of racism in England (covert) vs racism in America (overt) and social and political commentary on Nigeria in this book.
The #Metoo movement and how it affects religious leaders in Nigeria was also explored. So was the #EndSARS movement and Covid.
For me, this book hit home more than Tomorrow I Become a woman. Maybe because I could remember some of the events happening.
Aiwanose is an excellent writer! This is such a good book.
November 30, 2025
3.25 ⭐️
this book was a journey. first off, i honestly don’t think it needed to be as long as it was. there were parts that felt stretched, BUT the themes carried it well. i loved how the story touched on so many real issues; identity, politics, power, friendship, family and everyday struggles that a lot of people can relate to.
what stood out most was how deeply relatable it felt. it captured our reality in a raw and intentional way. it was very different from the author’s first book. while this is more political (almost boldly so), it also felt necessary. there are stories that exist not just to entertain, but to confront something in society. this was one of them. there were moments where i felt like the book was holding up a mirror and forcing us to reckon with uncomfortable truths.
my favourite part, though, was the friendship and sisterhood between the characters. it was raw, real, and beautifully written.
overall, it wasn’t a perfect book, but it was an important one. and i’m glad it was written. 😮💨
this book was a journey. first off, i honestly don’t think it needed to be as long as it was. there were parts that felt stretched, BUT the themes carried it well. i loved how the story touched on so many real issues; identity, politics, power, friendship, family and everyday struggles that a lot of people can relate to.
what stood out most was how deeply relatable it felt. it captured our reality in a raw and intentional way. it was very different from the author’s first book. while this is more political (almost boldly so), it also felt necessary. there are stories that exist not just to entertain, but to confront something in society. this was one of them. there were moments where i felt like the book was holding up a mirror and forcing us to reckon with uncomfortable truths.
my favourite part, though, was the friendship and sisterhood between the characters. it was raw, real, and beautifully written.
overall, it wasn’t a perfect book, but it was an important one. and i’m glad it was written. 😮💨
July 1, 2024
So many stories depict romantic love, so much so that stories about platonic love and sisterhood can fall between the cracks. However, what I loved about We Were Girls Once is its portrayal of the healing and transformative power of friendship and sisterhood. In this story, the follow up to Tomorrow I Become a Woman (that can be read as a standalone), Odafen invites the reader into the lives of three girlfriends whose lives take remarkable turns. In a world where we spend so much of our time isolated, this book was a reminder of the importance of community.
This book dealt with many sensitive and important issues, from the #metoo movement to political instability, to tumultuous mother-daughter relationships, I’m sure there is a topic in here that each woman can relate to.
As so many topics were covered, some issues were more superficial than others and I really wanted to hear more from Eriife and Zina. Overall, a very strong sequel. Aiwanose is an autobuy author!
This book dealt with many sensitive and important issues, from the #metoo movement to political instability, to tumultuous mother-daughter relationships, I’m sure there is a topic in here that each woman can relate to.
As so many topics were covered, some issues were more superficial than others and I really wanted to hear more from Eriife and Zina. Overall, a very strong sequel. Aiwanose is an autobuy author!
April 30, 2025
Enjoyed the continuation from the previous book to see how their lives had evolved. 3 stars because i like the characters but it felt kind of disjointed and a lot of political / current affairs commentary, which is fine but im mainly here for their lives. wish we got to understand more about Ada i feel like her i don’t really get her dislike toward Zina prior to the major life event.
July 15, 2024
The kind of book you read and just know it's going to stay with you for a while 💙
April 5, 2025
This was an overall good story but I feel like more time could have been spent on Eriife. I like how it built on the political aspects that were discussed in the first book.
August 8, 2025
This isn’t my first novel set in Nigeria, and I always love learning more about the history, politics, culture, and people through fiction. Unfortunately, this one didn’t quite live up to its potential for me.
The story is told from three perspectives, but the characters’ voices felt so similar that, combined with the audiobook having the same narrator for all three, it sometimes felt like a single viewpoint.
There were plotlines I enjoyed, and I appreciated the themes, especially the exploration of what it means to be a woman in a deeply patriarchal society, how it limits your choices, and the weight of generational expectations. The idea of a friendship lasting across generations was lovely in theory, though I didn’t quite feel it with the older characters.
Men don’t come across well here, in fact, most are outright abusive , and some scenes were hard to read. The politics were compelling, and you could feel the characters’ despair, but the pacing was inconsistent and the scope perhaps too wide for the page count.
I’m glad I read it for the setting and themes, but it wasn’t a favourite.
3/5 ⭐
The story is told from three perspectives, but the characters’ voices felt so similar that, combined with the audiobook having the same narrator for all three, it sometimes felt like a single viewpoint.
There were plotlines I enjoyed, and I appreciated the themes, especially the exploration of what it means to be a woman in a deeply patriarchal society, how it limits your choices, and the weight of generational expectations. The idea of a friendship lasting across generations was lovely in theory, though I didn’t quite feel it with the older characters.
Men don’t come across well here, in fact, most are outright abusive , and some scenes were hard to read. The politics were compelling, and you could feel the characters’ despair, but the pacing was inconsistent and the scope perhaps too wide for the page count.
I’m glad I read it for the setting and themes, but it wasn’t a favourite.
3/5 ⭐
May 31, 2024
Hmmm such a good read, very timely and contemporary.
I love how the writer interlinked tomorrow I become a woman and we were girls once, so if you couldn’t remember some aspects of tomorrow I become a woman you don’t necessarily need to go back and read the first book.
I also loved how she wrote from the POV’s of each character and continued the stories of their mothers.
I really enjoyed reading the book. Loved how the writer goes from writing in the past and into the present. Such a seamless transition.
One thing I hated was how it ended. Really wanted more…
Aiwanose is such an excellent writer.
I love how the writer interlinked tomorrow I become a woman and we were girls once, so if you couldn’t remember some aspects of tomorrow I become a woman you don’t necessarily need to go back and read the first book.
I also loved how she wrote from the POV’s of each character and continued the stories of their mothers.
I really enjoyed reading the book. Loved how the writer goes from writing in the past and into the present. Such a seamless transition.
One thing I hated was how it ended. Really wanted more…
Aiwanose is such an excellent writer.
June 29, 2024
I wasn’t sure how I would feel reading this sequel especially after loving Tomorrow I become a woman. I had such high hopes and I am so glad Aiwanose Odafen did not disappoint. She has now joined the list of my favorite authors and I can’t wait to read her future books. I totally loved it
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September 20, 2024Lovely history book. My favourite part of this story was the recount of the End Sars movement.
At least, we get to see a historical depiction of how empowered and united the Nigerian youth were for one purpose before the elections divided us again.
At least, we get to see a historical depiction of how empowered and united the Nigerian youth were for one purpose before the elections divided us again.
October 28, 2024
TW: Rape
Hear me out! This novel is a sequel to Tomorrow I Become A Woman, but these two books are different. I'm not sure how to explain this to you. But after reading Tomorrow I Become A Woman, you can tell that We Were Girls Once shifts in focus. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Tomorrow I Become a Woman takes place entirely in Nigeria and tells the story of three friends. However, We Were Girls Once is an extension of their experiences, involving the daughters of the three friends. Both works span different historical periods and focus on similar but different themes.
We Were Girls Once begins in London, moves briefly to the United States, and then returns to Nigeria. We Were Girls Once focusses on literary criticism on racism in the United Kingdom, the #Metoo Movement, and the #EndSARS movement in Nigeria, rather than individual lives.
If there was one thing I liked about this book, it was the amazing storytelling. Odafen is clearly a skilled storyteller, drawing the reader in from the first few chapters.
There was so much going on in this novel. The story appears to be an attempt by the author to briefly touch on so many significant issues at once, including loss, friendship, family, religion, forgiveness, love, rape, marriage, politics, creative arts, racism, EndSARS, and MeToo, among others. That’s a lot.
The part I enjoyed the most was Erife’s story and the political turmoil leading to the EndSARS Movement. Impressive work.
Hear me out! This novel is a sequel to Tomorrow I Become A Woman, but these two books are different. I'm not sure how to explain this to you. But after reading Tomorrow I Become A Woman, you can tell that We Were Girls Once shifts in focus. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Tomorrow I Become a Woman takes place entirely in Nigeria and tells the story of three friends. However, We Were Girls Once is an extension of their experiences, involving the daughters of the three friends. Both works span different historical periods and focus on similar but different themes.
We Were Girls Once begins in London, moves briefly to the United States, and then returns to Nigeria. We Were Girls Once focusses on literary criticism on racism in the United Kingdom, the #Metoo Movement, and the #EndSARS movement in Nigeria, rather than individual lives.
If there was one thing I liked about this book, it was the amazing storytelling. Odafen is clearly a skilled storyteller, drawing the reader in from the first few chapters.
There was so much going on in this novel. The story appears to be an attempt by the author to briefly touch on so many significant issues at once, including loss, friendship, family, religion, forgiveness, love, rape, marriage, politics, creative arts, racism, EndSARS, and MeToo, among others. That’s a lot.
The part I enjoyed the most was Erife’s story and the political turmoil leading to the EndSARS Movement. Impressive work.
June 18, 2024
*5 Stars
At this point it is safe to say I am a total Aiwanose Odafen fan girl!
Yoh! The way this book was written was so amazing! I loved how the ties between We Were Girls Once and Tomorrow I Become a Woman were not only adequately covered but all the details in the first book were accurately captured in We Were Girls Once.
I love how all my questions about the characters were answered and how the author made me feel like I was a part of the story! I loved the lovable characters and loathed the ones who were meant to be loathed!
All this to say, if you have not read any of this author's novels, RUN, don't even walk! You will not regret it.
At this point it is safe to say I am a total Aiwanose Odafen fan girl!
Yoh! The way this book was written was so amazing! I loved how the ties between We Were Girls Once and Tomorrow I Become a Woman were not only adequately covered but all the details in the first book were accurately captured in We Were Girls Once.
I love how all my questions about the characters were answered and how the author made me feel like I was a part of the story! I loved the lovable characters and loathed the ones who were meant to be loathed!
All this to say, if you have not read any of this author's novels, RUN, don't even walk! You will not regret it.
October 7, 2024
Following from Tomorrow I Become a Woman, this kinda missed the mark. Ego’s section was repetitive and probably my least favourite. I enjoyed Zina’s a lot & Efiire’s was good though rushed. I did not care for the twitter format at all.
I felt like the political landscape was the main character in this book, which doesn’t really match the core theme of friendship it was trying to portray.
The parts that were good were great though, and I’d look forward to reading more from Aiwanose Odafen
3/3.5 stars
I felt like the political landscape was the main character in this book, which doesn’t really match the core theme of friendship it was trying to portray.
The parts that were good were great though, and I’d look forward to reading more from Aiwanose Odafen
3/3.5 stars
April 24, 2025
I’m not sure how to rate this one - I enjoyed the stories she was trying to tell but it felt very choppy - the time jumps were confusing.
I enjoyed Egos story the most
Eriifes choices were also very interesting especially the way it ended. I’m glad I read it though especially the consideration for EndSars and the social commentary on nigerias politics
I enjoyed Egos story the most
Eriifes choices were also very interesting especially the way it ended. I’m glad I read it though especially the consideration for EndSars and the social commentary on nigerias politics
June 8, 2024
What a read. I had read tomorrow I become a woman and this book gave much needed closure. I'm glad uju got her happily ever after. Really love how raw this books was especially towards the end under Eriife's section. Cried when I read about the events of Oct 2020.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2024
It hurts that I didn't like this one as much as I wanted to because it’s one of my most anticipated reads of 2024. I appreciated seeing Uju happy and in love, but I wanted the story of the girls to flow more seamlessly than it did.
May 4, 2024
I love Aiwanose Odafen’s writing and I can’t wait for her to wrire more books. I abaolutely loved her debut novel and really wanted to love ‘We were once girls’, but I didn’t quite get there. So its a 3 star from me. Why? I read this book soon after ‘Tomorrow I become a woman’ and so the repetition and references to were too fresh and it almost felt like I was re-reading the debut novel. The references to the first book were too many it was frustrating which affected Ego’s story.
I also feel the characters were not fully developed, I would have wanted to hear more from Ego, her marriage and about her sisters. I was hoping to read more about how she dealt with her Daddy issues and a little bit more about her Dad and estranged sister.
I rather enjoyed Zina’s story actually more than Ego’s. I also feel Zina’s character wasn’t fully developed as well and the ending and the new very significant development in Zina’s life is rather abrupt.
Erife’s portion almost felt like an after thought. I didn’t fully connect with her. But come to think of it, this was the case in the debut novel as well, so it is understandable. However she does play a critical role in bringing together the political theme of the story.
I rather enjoyed the weaving of the political commentry and discussions around racism, colonialism and the current political context in Nigeria and actually most African countries. Odafen did a great job in tackling difficult topics in a way that made them relatable and easy to read.
As I conclude writing this review I am leaning towards a 3.5 star but that’s the maximum I give the book. The past reflections were simply too much for me!
I also feel the characters were not fully developed, I would have wanted to hear more from Ego, her marriage and about her sisters. I was hoping to read more about how she dealt with her Daddy issues and a little bit more about her Dad and estranged sister.
I rather enjoyed Zina’s story actually more than Ego’s. I also feel Zina’s character wasn’t fully developed as well and the ending and the new very significant development in Zina’s life is rather abrupt.
Erife’s portion almost felt like an after thought. I didn’t fully connect with her. But come to think of it, this was the case in the debut novel as well, so it is understandable. However she does play a critical role in bringing together the political theme of the story.
I rather enjoyed the weaving of the political commentry and discussions around racism, colonialism and the current political context in Nigeria and actually most African countries. Odafen did a great job in tackling difficult topics in a way that made them relatable and easy to read.
As I conclude writing this review I am leaning towards a 3.5 star but that’s the maximum I give the book. The past reflections were simply too much for me!
May 12, 2024
Aiwanose documented Nigerian history of recent years in this one, history that will be read about by generations to come.
Also, I'm so excited to see Obianuju and Akin together in this book. Uju deserves everything and more.
Also, I'm so excited to see Obianuju and Akin together in this book. Uju deserves everything and more.
June 25, 2024
Reading this novel was an emotional rollercoaster! It evoked such intense feelings that I found myself in tears from the frustration, disappointment, and anger it stirred in me. I highly recommend reading "Tomorrow I Become a Woman" before diving into "We Were Once Girls," as this novel provided the closure I needed after feeling unsatisfied with the ending of TIBAW.
This book masterfully tackles a wide array of topics, including friendship (especially sisterhood), Nigerian history, politics, religious practices, and sexual abuse. It also covers significant events in Nigeria's history, such as the Lekki Toll Gate incident, with a storyline that spans from the 1980s to around 2020. The narrative emphasizes the crucial need to protect girls and women at all costs.
I would rate this novel 5/5, as there was never a dull moment. The depth of the political aspects reflects the author's extensive research, even though the story is fictional. Kudos to Odafen! I will always cherish books written by Nigerian women about Nigerian women.
This book masterfully tackles a wide array of topics, including friendship (especially sisterhood), Nigerian history, politics, religious practices, and sexual abuse. It also covers significant events in Nigeria's history, such as the Lekki Toll Gate incident, with a storyline that spans from the 1980s to around 2020. The narrative emphasizes the crucial need to protect girls and women at all costs.
I would rate this novel 5/5, as there was never a dull moment. The depth of the political aspects reflects the author's extensive research, even though the story is fictional. Kudos to Odafen! I will always cherish books written by Nigerian women about Nigerian women.
June 2, 2024
3.75 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
It wasn’t as great as the first book but I enjoyed it. Aiwanose’s writing has greatly improved and I found myself highlighting a lot of sentences. If I was to change anything it would be less political talk in the novel. I loved that she covered an array of subjects, some that I could relate to especially being a Nigerian in a suffering economy. I look forward to more that she writes!
It wasn’t as great as the first book but I enjoyed it. Aiwanose’s writing has greatly improved and I found myself highlighting a lot of sentences. If I was to change anything it would be less political talk in the novel. I loved that she covered an array of subjects, some that I could relate to especially being a Nigerian in a suffering economy. I look forward to more that she writes!
May 26, 2024
Thank you, Aiwanose Odafen for this book. I’ve been a fan right from the very beginning and I’m so proud that I don’t stan in vain. Thank you for not only continuing the tales of our beloved characters from TIBAW but also writing about topical issues facing the country currently.
Everyone, read this book!
This novel reminds me that literature still is a powerful tool of protest. 💪🏾
Everyone, read this book!
This novel reminds me that literature still is a powerful tool of protest. 💪🏾
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March 26, 20253.5 stars. This was so similar to the debut in a lot of good ways but also frustratingly so at times. It felt like a rehashing of the first book, in both good and bad ways. I was just about satisfied with this and I appreciate what the author tried to do but I was expecting more. Thank you to the publisher for my ARC.
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