A Place Called Maybe

by Damola Makinde

Akin left Nigeria with a promise to return for his wife, Sade, and their young son once he secured a better future in America. But the path to residency leads him into an unexpected relationship with Trina, and soon, the lines between duty and desire begin to blur. Back home, Sade holds on. But years of loneliness and sacrifice wear her down.

As the past and present collide, Akin is caught between two worlds, two women, and two futures. Will he reclaim the life he left behind, or will the choices he made in pursuit of a dream alter his destiny forever?

A Place Called Maybe is a tender, emotionally charged story that explores what happens when love is stretched across borders, time, and broken promises, and the cost of chasing dreams.

252 pages, Paperback

Published August 13, 2025

Reviews

[Olusola Ogundipe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm absolutely hooked on 'A PLACE CALLED MAYBE'. The story is engaging, full of suspense, and packed with valuable lessons. I'm thoroughly enjoying it and can't wait for book 2. The author's writing style is captivating, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to explore this world. 'A Place Called Maybe' has been a brain-sharpener for me, sparking new thoughts and ideas. Kudos to the author for creating such an amazing story.

[Chika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading A Place Called Maybe felt like being handed a mirror to the soul. It’s raw, beautiful, and filled with moments that made me stop and breathe differently. The writer captures love, loss, and longing with such honesty that you can’t help but see your own reflections between the lines. This book is more than a story—it’s a journey I believe everyone should take.

[Farouq · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I loved how you built the suspense in the plot."

[Lola · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 🌟

This was such a good read! The excitement and anticipation for what was coming next felt so real—I enjoyed every single moment. It started off feeling predictable, but that ending? Totally caught me off guard and it left me with LOTS of questions.

Also, the entire characters in this book need to sit down for a lecture on protection, because what was going on there? 😭 Like you people should calm down nauuu! They are just doing everything without pregnancy scare? They have mind oh.

Akin’s character is so selfish, omg. How do you end a call calling one woman “wifey” and then turn around to call another “sweetheart”? Omo, men get mind oh 🤣 And the man is just there, sleeping and working like nothing is really happening… wild.

On the bright side, I loved Sade’s character, even though she almost fell my hand at one point. And Kunle? That man is an angel from God for her…. he is just too perfect.

“A Place Called Maybe” is such a good read. It is fast paced and it perfectly captures the kind of drama and dynamics we actually see in our society today.

[MOmo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: A Place Called Maybe by Damola Makinde

This book drained me — and not because the plot was uninteresting or the characters were flat. It drained me because it felt so real. It was deep, personal, and painfully familiar.

As I read, it felt like I was reading about the lives of so many Nigerians — people who, in the search for a better life, lose more than they ever imagined. I found myself reflecting on my own immigration journey — the community I built before leaving Nigeria, and how studying abroad reshaped my sense of belonging. This book captures that struggle perfectly: the loneliness, the disillusionment, and the fragile hope that comes with trying to start anew.

Even though the central character through which this story unfolds is frustratingly selfish, the message behind his actions invites deep introspection. Why do we migrate? What do we lose in the process? What happens to the families left behind — especially when migration itself is driven by the collapse of systems at home, broken leadership, and exploitative global policies?

The story follows Akin, a man who decides to leave Nigeria for the United States in search of a better life. His declared reason is noble — he’s doing it for his wife, Sade, and their son. But very early on, we realize that Akin’s motives are not as selfless as he claims. His frustration with Nigeria is real, but so is his ego. What he’s really chasing is a better life for himself, not necessarily for those he left behind.

Sade, on the other hand, embodies the “dutiful Nigerian wife.” She’s supportive, understanding, and endlessly patient — shaped by family expectations and the social conditioning that tells women to always be their husband’s peace. But as Akin’s choices unfold, we see how selfishness, pride, and patriarchal audacity can destroy even the most loyal love.

When Akin meets Trina — the woman he becomes involved with in the U.S. — we’re forced to confront the uncomfortable truth that often, everyone involved knows what’s going on. The women know. The men know. But no one stops the train wreck from happening. Still, this does not absolve Akin. It only makes his choices more tragic — and more human.

This novel is honest, confronting, and painfully relevant. It examines how migration fractures families, exposes selfish desires, and magnifies gendered expectations. And beyond that, it forces us to look inward — at the kind of people we become when distance, ambition, and survival reshape who we are.

If there’s a book you need to read — like yesterday — it’s this one.
It’s raw. It’s moving. It’s real.
I cried reading this. I truly did.
Because I saw myself, my community, and my country in these pages.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A brilliant, heartfelt piece from Damola Makinde.

[Nolia Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started this book, I took it everywhere… to bed, to breakfast, even to the bathroom 😂 I couldn’t stop reading till I was done. And when I finished? I was side-eyeing my man because this story will make you rethink love, sacrifice, and selfishness.

It follows Akin and Sade, a young couple whose love is stretched thin by ambition and distance. Akin leaves to chase a better life abroad, and what starts as sacrifice slowly turns into silence, doubt, and consequences.

What I loved most is how real it felt— no sugarcoating, no forced happy ending, just love that aches and choices that cost. It’s about how distance can test even the strongest hearts.

Now to the characters 😤
Akin — I was angry! Every decision felt rooted in him. His dreams, his comfort, his timing. The selfishness threaded through the whole story, and still he was so human it hurt to hate him completely.
Sade — my heart. The grace, the patience, the ache. I didn’t like that she went back to Akin… but I understood it. Love like that isn’t easy to unlearn.
Kunle — my babyyyy 😭😭😭😭 manifesting all the soft life and spicy joy for him because he deserves. Akin, look twice before you cross the road sha 😌

Damola Makinde, you did that. The writing was tender, reflective, and stayed with me long after. You didn’t sugarcoat anything… you let the story breathe, ache, and heal on its own terms.

If you’re looking for a story that’ll make you argue with yourself, talk back to fictional characters, and still turn the last page with a sigh — A Place Called Maybe is that book.
I’ll be forcing everyone I know to read it, because some emotions deserve to be shared 🥹

[Jessyreadsss · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know when they say “absence makes the heart grow fonder”? Please, anybody that tells you that is a big liar😭. That’s the biggest scam ever because this book showed me that absence doesn’t make you fonder, it makes you forget faster!

The story follows Akin, a Nigerian bank manager who decides to move abroad to “find greener pastures,” leaving behind his wife Ṣadé and their baby. Abroad life humbles him fast,from working odd jobs to realizing that this dream life isn’t so dreamy. Then he meets Trina, an American woman, and what starts as a “green card arrangement” starts looking a little too comfortable 👀.

And let me just say, Akin went abroad with that full traditional-man mentality. He expected food to be ready, clothes to be ironed, everything done for him. But over there? Trina is working too, she’s tired too…nobody’s waiting to serve you, sir. 😂

Meanwhile, Ṣadé is back in Nigeria struggling, but life brings her Kunle who is patient, kind, supportive, and everything Akin wasn’t. And please, let me just say this one loudly:

“Don’t let your husband stop you from finding the love of your life.”🙏🏽

I loved how the author didn’t make Ṣadé a victim of her situation. She found strength, healing, and peace which is something a lot of stories forget to give women.

A Place Called Maybe is emotional, realistic, and such a quick read. I finished it in less than six hours. The writing flows, the characters feel real, and it’ll have you believing that Men Are Scum 😭.

⭐ Rating: 4/5
Beautiful, relatable, and a reminder that sometimes, “greener pastures” aren’t always greener.

[Dusty_spines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down one of the most captivating stories I’ve read this year✨

It follows Akin and Sade…a young couple whose love is tested when Akin leaves Nigeria for America, chasing the dream of a better life. At first, it feels like a noble sacrifice…but as the years pass, distance turns into doubt, and promises begin to look a lot like betrayal.

What gripped me most is how real this story felt. It’s not just about love…it’s about choices, sacrifice, the cost of chasing opportunities abroad, and the silent pain of those left behind. The writing is tender and emotional…I actually had to pause and ask myself what I’d do if I were in these characters shoes. And OMG!!!, guys I’ve never yelled at a character the way I yelled at Akin😭😂.

A Place Called Maybe is the kind of book that will definitely spark debates in book clubs, because no two readers will root for the same character. For me, it’s Sade all the way…but I know some of you will disagree😌😏

Huge kudos to Damola Makinde for such an amazing book! The writing style completely drew me in…pure chef’s kiss 👌🏽✨.

If you love contemporary fiction that’s raw, emotional, and keeps you torn between characters, this one is an absolute must-read!

[Anuoluwapo Ogunmoroti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did you just kiss another woman knowing fully well your wife and your infant son is waiting for you at home?😏👀

That my brother, my sister is the story of Akin the one that surely won award for lying 🤥 so much I am sure he has a big, fat, long nose.

So I picked up this book because it was the book of the month in my book club shout out to @bettietainment @booksandbrews.ng

And my God after reading the book I couldn’t help but question who’s side I was on. Team Sade who was trying so hard to keep a marriage that was long dead? Or team Akin who was trying to put life back to into his marriage with Sade even thou it was with his very hand he had sniffed life out of the marriage in the first place after he traveled and left her behind in aka JAPA.

Hmmmm

A place called maybe really does something to you, it pulls you in really close and just when you think you know the end of the story. Everything changes including your mood and you are left to ponder if you have ever been in such a place … a place called maybe.

I would rate the book 4 /5 because nah the book played with my feelings way too much. 🥲🥹🥲

Big kudos to the author

[Silky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is me speaking with a microphone right now so the whole world can hear me. What I loved most is how vividly the author painted the scenes. The story felt so real, I caught myself pausing to wonder what I’d do if I were Sade. It wasn’t just a book, it was a film playing in my head and the characters refused to leave even after I turned the last page.

This is a story about choices, love, betrayal, survival and the thin line between sacrifice and selfishness. If you’re looking for a book that will make you argue with yourself, throw side comments at fictional characters and still turn the pages with curiosity, A Place Called Maybe is worth the ride and read.

Just be ready to shout “Ah, Akin!” a few times along the way because that sweet talker of a man is a very silly boy!

I commend Mr Adedamola for this beautiful work of art. I loooveeeeetttt.

A Place Called Maybe

[Rayo Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caught between duty and a better life; between two women and two lives an ocean away... Akin is torn between both choices— which should he pick?! I read this book in a day, and yes, it was that good!!!

Akin, oh Akin. I fear that you might have been greedy and lacked contentment from the start, because how can seeing a past acquaintance trigger such feelings of inadequacy within you?! How?! You left your wife and son, and you didn’t care! Did I feel pity for you? Maybe. Did I feel like I should curse you out? Yes, I did (even out loud, and you wouldn’t like what I had to say).

Damola Makinde did a wonderful job with this novel. We see a man desperate to make a better future for himself and his family, we see a man who lost himself, we see a man who buried his past— all in the name of papers! I did feel pity for him. The country is overwhelming, and everybody is tired of the never-ending cycle and just wants out!

I loved the exploration of both female characters, Sade and Trina... And I have to say, I love the way Trina did not accept Akin’s nonsense! Men can go about the world without a care, knowing they have a woman holding down the fort at home!

Sade, oh dear Sade, I am so sorry that you had to go through that (and even though I wanted to knock some sense into you), I understand why you felt the need to do what you did. It doesn’t make it right, but I understand. Kunle, you don’t deserve to be discarded like that, but the situation is complicated, and my heart goes out to you.

If you have not read this book, DO IT NOW!!!!

[Just Tee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Place Called Maybe is a quiet, reflective novel that feels less like a story and more like a conversation with your own thoughts. The plot follows characters navigating love, identity, and the fragile spaces between hope and uncertainty all set in a world that feels familiar yet deeply introspective.
From the beginning, I could relate with the story.

What I appreciated most was the softness in the writing. This isn’t an action-packed narrative; it’s a story about feeling, about the spaces between dialogue, and about the internal journeys that shape us just as much as external events. If you’re coming off a heavy read and need something that soothes rather than shocks, this hits that sweet spot.

At times it made me reflect back on my own experiences that feeling of waiting, of wanting, of trying to understand where love and self collide.
Overall, A Place Called Maybe isn’t just a book you read it’s a book you sit with.

[Sapphire! · Rating 4 out of 5]

A PLACE CALLED MAYBE ✈️🧳
I just finished A Place Called Maybe by @damolamakinde1 and I really liked this one!

The story follows Akin, a man who feels unfulfilled and leaves his wife and son behind in Nigeria in search of a better life in the U.S., promising to return once he’s made it. But as he chases his version of happiness, he gets caught between desire and duty.

It’s a heartfelt story about love, guilt, ambition, and the places we run to when home no longer feels enough.

⭐️ 4/5

Tbh, I don’t know why there’s an Akin side or Sade side because Akin is just a cheat 😭 Glad Sade got someone too sha 😂

#books #africanliterature #nigerianfiction #bookreview

[Milly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saying this book is captivating is an understatement. It's fast-paced, but emotional and thought-provoking. For a debut, this is impressive.

Akin's journey confirmed what I've always believed, that men who leave their wives to marry for papers are self-serving. But at least it showed me that some of them are painfully aware of the damage they cause.

What I loved most about this story is that Sade wasn't written as the typical heartbroken wife who fades away after her husband leaves her. She found strength, love and safety, and grabbed it. Women deserve to choose their own happiness too, even when life doesn't play fair.

[Emmanuel Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my best stories so far❤️ this story made me understand that sometimes being in Nigeria here too despite the ups and down isn't really a bad idea..most importantly going overseas without ur loved ones can cause something unusual you didn't plan for... The main character Akin" was indeed a victim of that circumstances but in all the story ended in the best way I also imagined.. There is something outstanding about author Adedamola, he relates very well to his readers in his writings 😊 if it were in my powers I can rate this wonderful story a 10 star ⭐😊😊

[Somto Okeke · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Place Called Maybe is one of those stories that lingers long after the last page. It’s tender, haunting, and deeply human. Every chapter pulled me deeper into a world where love is tested, silence is loud, and choices carry heavy echoes. This isn’t just a story, it’s an experience, a quiet heartbreak wrapped in beautiful storytelling. The writer did a remarkable job bringing such raw emotions to life, and I would encourage everyone to read it, you won’t just find a book, you’ll find a piece of yourself in its pages.

[Trixx · Rating 5 out of 5]

This would be the first digital book i ever read, and i finished it!! Lol. Yes that's how good it is. You would think you know where the story is leading you to and then boom! You're wondering whether the author even cares about your mental health. This book had me going through so many emotions, and i would recommend reading it with someone cause trust me, you would want to argue about a lot, just like i did. It's just such a beautiful story with lots of twists and turns in between. Definitely goodreads worthy.

[Bookish Girlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Place Called Maybe is beautiful, messy, and so real. It’s a story of promises, distance, and the chaos that comes when love, duty, and desire collide.
I loved how Damola Makinde painted the characters — flawed, human, and unforgettable. Sade’s loneliness, Akin’s guilt, Trina’s pull… it all felt raw and honest. The writing is simple but powerful, pulling you into every scene.

📚 Rating: 8/10… For anyone who enjoys books that isn’t sugarcoated, but layered with sacrifice, heartbreak, and hope.

[Serene Thamm · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Place Called Maybe isn’t a love story in the traditional sense, it is a perfect summary of its essence.
It’s about people caught between what was and what could be.
And maybe that’s the most realistic version of love there is.

At what point does survival become selfishness?
The pacing is deliberate, mirroring real life...slow, frustrating, but purposeful.
I appreciate how grounded this novel is. It doesn’t dress up betrayal with sentimentality, nor does it demonize human weakness. Makinde writes with an awareness of the pressures that shape choices.

[Turning Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Place Called Maybe is a heartfelt, realistic story about the price of chasing greener pastures. Akin’s journey from Lagos to America exposes the cracks in his marriage, while Sade’s loneliness back home leads her toward unexpected comfort with Kunle. Both make choices that change their family forever.

It’s emotional, messy, and painfully relatable especially for anyone familiar with Japa, long-distance marriages, or the pressure to “make it abroad.”
A simple story, well told, with characters that stay with you long after the last page.

[Juliet · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing read that triggered all the emotions possible😄 I was mad, satisfied, unsatisfied, wary, happy, sad... You name it! This author knows how to pull reactions from his readers, I'd tell you that. And the beautiful part is, you'd be sat for all of it. While he takes you for a fun and educative ride. I love the arguably untouched theme of traveling out and the sacrifice everyone has to make for it, especially the ones left behind.
I don't want to drop any spoilers😄 but, I love you Sade 😁

[Iyage Funmilayo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This powerful book reveals the complexities of chasing a better life abroad while leaving loved ones behind. It highlights the consequences of ignoring the importance of staying true to oneself, being honest, and resisting temptation when faced with challenges. The story beautifully portrays the beauty of love and the sacrifices that come with it, reminding us to hold on to our identity and values amidst life's twists and turns.

[Honnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent piece of Art. I love the plot twist at the end. You know, some writers give this "happy ending" , but this, one could never guess the turn out of events. It made me realise some hard truth and reality choices people make and why. Though some are not justifiable, we get to be the the position of the character. His choice of diction, was top notch. It's a "must read" art work. Kudos to all those who put their efforts to make, "a place called maybe" a success.

Thank Youu 😊

[Sharon Bello · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly captivating read
Once you pick up this book you'd have a hard time putting it down
Beautiful language, beautiful characters, each chapter more intriguing than the last, the author takes you on a journey that'll have you feeling a myriad of different emotions sometimes happy and sometimes sad but one thing's for sure you'll be in love with this book before you're ten chapters in

[Kehinde Musa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is very interesting filled with betrayals, Redemption,and seeking new beginnings.
The author really did a great job 🔥🔥 I was literally hooked and couldn’t wait for more chapters to be released 😂. Sade was my favorite character even though a lot will disagree 🤣🤣 but i learnt to be always honest sha because a little white lie can bring a whole lot of complications and consequences

[Godwin Oshioremor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading A Place Called Maybe felt like being handed a mirror to the soul. It’s raw, beautiful, and filled with moments that made me stop and breathe differently. The writer captures love, loss, and longing with such honesty that you can’t help but see your own reflections between the lines. This book is more than a story—it’s a journey I believe everyone should take.

[Felicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the good stories I have read this year! I am still surprised at how the rage and anger I felt towards Akin in the initial stages just turned into understanding and acceptance. Distance is rarely a friend of love. In all, I am glad everyone found their person.
This is my first book by Damola Makinde and I definitely would read any other book he brings out!

[Ayo Deforge · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Place Called Maybe is a raw and thoughtful read.

Reading this book reminded me how much I’ve missed reading novels written by Nigerian men. Too often, male characters are portrayed primarily as villains, with little room given to understanding, and sometimes to redemption. This novel explores complexity, reminding us that no one is born inherently evil.

[Amidat Sotunde · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my best series so far. The way the author painted each scene is so superb and very interesting. I will always recommend this book to anyone around me. If you are yet to read this book, then you are missing

[Adekanbi Damilola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must say this is a masterpiece. The characters portray life and the emotions are real. It gets you captivated right from the beginning 💞.
Interesting, beautiful and extraordinary work of fiction.
We should give you your flowers cause you deserve it 😘