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29, Single & Nigerian
29-year-old Edikan has lived her whole life in abject poverty. When she departs her hometown in Ikot Ansa for Lagos, her expectations are high.
A roof over head, a high paying job and a man she can finally call her own tops her priority. Months after, she is forced to grapple with the reality that the city of her dreams is not all that. With constant pressure from her family, the stigma associated with being unmarried and dark memories haunting from her past; days become nights and nights become torture.
29, Single & Nigerian is an emotional gripping, mesmerising and humorous tale of survival you won’t forget in a hurry.
A roof over head, a high paying job and a man she can finally call her own tops her priority. Months after, she is forced to grapple with the reality that the city of her dreams is not all that. With constant pressure from her family, the stigma associated with being unmarried and dark memories haunting from her past; days become nights and nights become torture.
29, Single & Nigerian is an emotional gripping, mesmerising and humorous tale of survival you won’t forget in a hurry.
348 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2016
34 people are currently reading
523 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
June 6, 2018
This book was simply hilarious!
Edikan was just too naive and her overall stupidity was plain to see.
However, she reminds me so much of myself, so I wonder what that says about me... 😂😂😂
I love how relatable this book was.
Five stars, always! 💞😊
Edikan was just too naive and her overall stupidity was plain to see.
However, she reminds me so much of myself, so I wonder what that says about me... 😂😂😂
I love how relatable this book was.
Five stars, always! 💞😊
October 6, 2018
I'm glad we were warned at the start of the book just how stupid Edikan would be. 😆😅😅
When I was almost done with this book, my wife called and we spoke. This book suddenly made me realise I hadn't told her in a long time the love I feel for her. I imagined drifting around like Edikan, without focus. And I was grateful to God for having a woman I love, trust, cherish. A woman that helps with my focus. I hope I help her focus also, because, this couldn't be all about me. I'm trying for her what I think is my best...then I see even more ways to try more.
Anyways, as we ended our discussion on phone, I said "Love you". The excitement she used to reply her own "love you!" was worth it. Edikan made me realise what I've gained and I appreciate it. I don't deserve any of this. More reason why I appreciate.
This book was well written and very engaging. I know because it hardly let up to allow me write its review on the go. Relatable and real, it felt like the Nigeria I was born into and know.
To all the in the world, we love you and we can never thank you enough. This may be a spoiler, cos I kept on expecting a betrayal, so, spoiler it is.
I don't remember where I saw this, it's probably in the book, but, it touched me : All I saw in those pages was a frightened girl who spent her teenage years living as an adult and her adult years trying to grow up.
Good book. I'm not sure I've ever given a Nigerian book 5 stars before.
Eh. I probably haven't read a lot.
When I was almost done with this book, my wife called and we spoke. This book suddenly made me realise I hadn't told her in a long time the love I feel for her. I imagined drifting around like Edikan, without focus. And I was grateful to God for having a woman I love, trust, cherish. A woman that helps with my focus. I hope I help her focus also, because, this couldn't be all about me. I'm trying for her what I think is my best...then I see even more ways to try more.
Anyways, as we ended our discussion on phone, I said "Love you". The excitement she used to reply her own "love you!" was worth it. Edikan made me realise what I've gained and I appreciate it. I don't deserve any of this. More reason why I appreciate.
This book was well written and very engaging. I know because it hardly let up to allow me write its review on the go. Relatable and real, it felt like the Nigeria I was born into and know.
To all the in the world, we love you and we can never thank you enough. This may be a spoiler, cos I kept on expecting a betrayal, so, spoiler it is.
I don't remember where I saw this, it's probably in the book, but, it touched me : All I saw in those pages was a frightened girl who spent her teenage years living as an adult and her adult years trying to grow up.
Good book. I'm not sure I've ever given a Nigerian book 5 stars before.
Eh. I probably haven't read a lot.
July 4, 2023
This book was ridiculously, refreshingly hilarious. For that I forgive it all it's faults, foremost of which was its anticlimactic end.
Oh well.
Oh well.
December 14, 2021
How the author allowed it to end with this phrase "Ashawo, stay there and be exposing your sagging breasts at 30. Better go
and look for who will marry you if you know what is good for you.
" I what I don't get.
But then again, it captivates the brutal and save reply expected from the comment section of a Nigerian blog post.
It was a wonderful read, a journey of wits, humor and emotional.
I for one would like to see the continuation of this diary.
and look for who will marry you if you know what is good for you.
" I what I don't get.
But then again, it captivates the brutal and save reply expected from the comment section of a Nigerian blog post.
It was a wonderful read, a journey of wits, humor and emotional.
I for one would like to see the continuation of this diary.
May 9, 2018
This is a book you want to read to gain an insight into the existential realities of Nigeria's struggling middle class. 29, Single and Nigerian was written with a beautiful sense of urgency that many African novels lack. I loved the way the author did not bore the reader with needless pages of prose. Given how concise the book was, I kid you not when I say that one sentence less could have rendered this book incomplete. The only explanation for this brilliance is that the author had a character limit - one that ended with the very last period. And oh! It was very easy on the eyes; almost to a fault.
That said, I felt the story tapered out at the last couple of chapters. Especially when she found God and got serious with, Ifeanyi, the dude she had been ignoring for the better part of the book. i also had a problem with the book's conclusion when i found out that the story was non-fiction. The fact that the author was narrating her story makes it almost needless to explore what could and what could not have been. There were holes in the plot but there is not much one can do after being reminded that these events actually happened in real life. The book ended too well; too easily. This book did not have me developing alternate endings and theories. The CONCLUSION was too CONCLUSIVE- a sad consequence of the book being a non-fiction.
That said, I felt the story tapered out at the last couple of chapters. Especially when she found God and got serious with, Ifeanyi, the dude she had been ignoring for the better part of the book. i also had a problem with the book's conclusion when i found out that the story was non-fiction. The fact that the author was narrating her story makes it almost needless to explore what could and what could not have been. There were holes in the plot but there is not much one can do after being reminded that these events actually happened in real life. The book ended too well; too easily. This book did not have me developing alternate endings and theories. The CONCLUSION was too CONCLUSIVE- a sad consequence of the book being a non-fiction.
December 19, 2016
I tend to shy away from the word "authentic" when it comes to describing a piece of art or a narrative voice, but no other word comes to mind after reading this book. The narrator writes as though she's just telling you a no-frills version of her life; she could be an auntie, or a sister, or a best friend. In her hands, this story of growing up poor and struggling to find a job and "make it" in Lagos, becomes not just relatable, but flat-out hilarious in parts and poignant in others. Her troubles are familiar (almost 30 and not married; God forbid!), as is her strange mix of schoolgirl innocence and a world-weariness beyond her years. Because she was forced to shoulder the burden of a grownup in her teens, she is somewhat hardened about life, but she also has moments where she thinks and behaves like a teenager.
What was most attractive to me about this book was the narrator's voice--the voice details seemed true to what you could hear in the streets of Lagos--and that felt very heartening. We need to have more stories like these in print. Some of the best storytellers I've met in my life would never think about writing a book--this book felt to me like a taste of what those books could be, if those storytellers had the time and the resources.
What was most attractive to me about this book was the narrator's voice--the voice details seemed true to what you could hear in the streets of Lagos--and that felt very heartening. We need to have more stories like these in print. Some of the best storytellers I've met in my life would never think about writing a book--this book felt to me like a taste of what those books could be, if those storytellers had the time and the resources.
January 28, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Hilarious and witty. Edikan’s journey was brilliantly written. To be a single broke female in Nigeria is the worst, I tell you. I recommend this to any one who wants an entertaining read 👏🏾
July 19, 2020
I got hooked by 29, Single & Nigerian immediately I picked it up. I was intrigued by the storytelling and fascinated by the humorous take of another account of the often dreaded National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) chronicles; in which note the book starts and I thought it would continue. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that it entailed more.
As the title denotes, it addresses facets of being a young Nigerian female and how society influences the mindset of such person, quietly dictating how they turn out to be by placing them on a statistic.
29, Single & Nigerian focuses on Edikan, giving insight to how her warped mindset and beliefs are based on past influence from her parents and aunt. The author seamlessly transitioned from narrations of Edikan’s post university days to flashbacks of the days when Edikan engaged in child labour for her bipolar aunt, slaving as a housegirl who was required to engage in hard labour often going without food, adequate sleep and care just so her religious aunt could pay for her and her sister’s (Umoh) schooling.
After six years of living in unfavorable conditions, Edikan returns home but finds herself confronted by an emotionally volatile family home led by her psychologically unstable father and dysfunctional mother. Though exceptionally brilliant Edikan doesn’t begin her university education until about 4 years later, deciding to study the “unrealistic” course of Risk Management after immerse pressure from her dad.
Edikan turns out to be an unguarded, materialistic, virginal, insecure and naive female graduate who finds it hard to navigate through life especially when she gets to the land of her dreams, Lagos. We see a woman who spent “her teenage years being an adult and her adult years learning to grow up”. Naijasinglegirl takes us through Edikan’s experience job hunting, man hunting and acquiring skills to survive in the urban city of Lagos. Edikan experiences the lost of love, money, a job, hope and more but gains them back despite all.
It is telling that the author of 29, Single & Nigerian remains anonymous under the pseudonym “Naijasinglegirl” because the novel reads like a memoir with a feeling of fiction. One is left undecided as to which genre it really is. Naijasinglegirl is a lifestyle blogger with a blog of the same name. Here she explains why she sticks to anonymity.
While reading 29, Single & Nigerian I couldn’t help but ponder on the issue of illegal migration in Nigeria particularly of migrants in Benin who risk their lives to get to “the abroad” despite the woes faced in Libya, Italy and other xenophobic countries. I had often wondered at the desperation behind these actions of illegal migrations but reading about Edikan parents I deduced that the families of these migrants are often the root cause of it. And to change this, charity must begin at home indeed.
Usually, when I write book reviews I compare and contrast the book being reviewed with other books I’ve read, however 29, Single & Nigerian is beyond comparison. It is of a class of its own. All I can say is that it’s a well written Nigerian story; a honest and raw account of those living a life as described within its pages.
As the title denotes, it addresses facets of being a young Nigerian female and how society influences the mindset of such person, quietly dictating how they turn out to be by placing them on a statistic.
29, Single & Nigerian focuses on Edikan, giving insight to how her warped mindset and beliefs are based on past influence from her parents and aunt. The author seamlessly transitioned from narrations of Edikan’s post university days to flashbacks of the days when Edikan engaged in child labour for her bipolar aunt, slaving as a housegirl who was required to engage in hard labour often going without food, adequate sleep and care just so her religious aunt could pay for her and her sister’s (Umoh) schooling.
After six years of living in unfavorable conditions, Edikan returns home but finds herself confronted by an emotionally volatile family home led by her psychologically unstable father and dysfunctional mother. Though exceptionally brilliant Edikan doesn’t begin her university education until about 4 years later, deciding to study the “unrealistic” course of Risk Management after immerse pressure from her dad.
Edikan turns out to be an unguarded, materialistic, virginal, insecure and naive female graduate who finds it hard to navigate through life especially when she gets to the land of her dreams, Lagos. We see a woman who spent “her teenage years being an adult and her adult years learning to grow up”. Naijasinglegirl takes us through Edikan’s experience job hunting, man hunting and acquiring skills to survive in the urban city of Lagos. Edikan experiences the lost of love, money, a job, hope and more but gains them back despite all.
It is telling that the author of 29, Single & Nigerian remains anonymous under the pseudonym “Naijasinglegirl” because the novel reads like a memoir with a feeling of fiction. One is left undecided as to which genre it really is. Naijasinglegirl is a lifestyle blogger with a blog of the same name. Here she explains why she sticks to anonymity.
While reading 29, Single & Nigerian I couldn’t help but ponder on the issue of illegal migration in Nigeria particularly of migrants in Benin who risk their lives to get to “the abroad” despite the woes faced in Libya, Italy and other xenophobic countries. I had often wondered at the desperation behind these actions of illegal migrations but reading about Edikan parents I deduced that the families of these migrants are often the root cause of it. And to change this, charity must begin at home indeed.
Usually, when I write book reviews I compare and contrast the book being reviewed with other books I’ve read, however 29, Single & Nigerian is beyond comparison. It is of a class of its own. All I can say is that it’s a well written Nigerian story; a honest and raw account of those living a life as described within its pages.
July 10, 2019
Review of 29, single and Nigerian
The books tells the story of a typical Nigerian girl, Edikan, her struggles through childhood and adulthood and how her choices got her where ever she got.
How Edikan thought life can be a Cinderella experience was simply hilarious.(for this Naija? 🤣)
The writer managed to perfectly descrbe the extremely deplorable condition of this country and all her affairs.
It was an interesting read, it portrayed the typical Nigerian plot, living conditions and characters.
The writing styles was simple (maybe too simple) and straight forward and what interested me more was the flashback and present time joggling, excellently done.
Also how each chapter subtlely flowed into the next made the reading flow easy.
My only problem with the book will be the conversations, they were too flat and just there, I expected more from Naija single Girl (NSG) because I follow her on social media and know her to be a great story teller and should do better with writing and describing conversations.
I will recommend 🥰
Best character: Bibi
Rating: 4⭐s
The books tells the story of a typical Nigerian girl, Edikan, her struggles through childhood and adulthood and how her choices got her where ever she got.
How Edikan thought life can be a Cinderella experience was simply hilarious.(for this Naija? 🤣)
The writer managed to perfectly descrbe the extremely deplorable condition of this country and all her affairs.
It was an interesting read, it portrayed the typical Nigerian plot, living conditions and characters.
The writing styles was simple (maybe too simple) and straight forward and what interested me more was the flashback and present time joggling, excellently done.
Also how each chapter subtlely flowed into the next made the reading flow easy.
My only problem with the book will be the conversations, they were too flat and just there, I expected more from Naija single Girl (NSG) because I follow her on social media and know her to be a great story teller and should do better with writing and describing conversations.
I will recommend 🥰
Best character: Bibi
Rating: 4⭐s
December 2, 2017
Such a wonderful ready
It’s funny how relatable this book is! Every word had me saying “OMG this is so me!!!” It was funny and real and sad and light and heavy all at the same time. It was easy to love Edikan and easy to hate her sometimes as well! This is a wonderful book and I am so glad I read it.
It’s funny how relatable this book is! Every word had me saying “OMG this is so me!!!” It was funny and real and sad and light and heavy all at the same time. It was easy to love Edikan and easy to hate her sometimes as well! This is a wonderful book and I am so glad I read it.
February 15, 2019
I absolutely loved reading it. Gosh 😍 the author is a great storyteller. The book is ‘unputdownable’.
All the issues she touched in the book were so on point 👌🏾. Issues such as rape/sexual harassment, unemployment, the pressure to get married and more.
All the issues she touched in the book were so on point 👌🏾. Issues such as rape/sexual harassment, unemployment, the pressure to get married and more.
January 23, 2020
I totally loved reading this book. Edikan's story is very relatable. The humour does not take away the fact that these are things that happens in our day to day lives. Beautiful book, great read, i totally recommend it. Kudos
July 31, 2017
Best read 2017!!! Well done author
This book is very interesting and engaging from the first page,a relatable story about Edikan, great book i must say!
This book is very interesting and engaging from the first page,a relatable story about Edikan, great book i must say!
July 26, 2018
Fun read!
Very relatable read. Funny yet deep and poignant, a commentary on what life is like for a 29year old single woman in Lagos.
Very relatable read. Funny yet deep and poignant, a commentary on what life is like for a 29year old single woman in Lagos.
January 28, 2019
This book got me engaged right from the first page. It is a brilliant piece I must say
March 22, 2019
Explicit! Very much relatable! Welldone @naijasinglegirl
April 15, 2019
Hilarious
Read
July 12, 2019i need to read this book
October 5, 2019
Superb read!
November 9, 2019
I really enjoy this book
November 21, 2019
I enjoyed reading this book. I loved the humor and life experiences. This book is also relatable. The only thing I didn't enjoy was the feeling of the ending being rushed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2020
Hilarious! But writing is ok for a first time author.
January 10, 2020
I loved every page in this read... So much humour with great insights
April 30, 2020
The story is so real. I could relate and made me wondered if I was that stupid and clueless at some point in my life. Great story.
July 12, 2020
Hilarious, insightful and relatable.
September 24, 2020
Brilliant, humourous, thought-provoking read.
July 28, 2022
One of the most mesmerizing plots I've ever read. Good one
January 27, 2021
Realistic and extremely hilarious..
Great read!
Great read!
January 9, 2017
Of sweeping patterns into aunties' compounds. I feel like we all have that one aunty - the strict disciplinarian. Of the letters we wrote to our parents as soon as we could construct sentences, "Dear mummy and Daddy, How are you? I am fine. Buy for me chocolate, Buy for me chips, buy for me sweets...etc", Of service providers and incessant promotions, of dreams and goals set so high you fear you might not reach them...and of girlfriends like Bibi, who make it all worthwhile. I was raised in Uganda and this is set in Nigeria...True African this.
It was hilarious and vividly familiar!
It was hilarious and vividly familiar!
May 15, 2020
I read a certain page of this book while in a public bus and boy! i laughed out loud so many times that the person sitting next to me got so uncomfortable lol
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews