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VAGARIES OF LIFE AND: GIRLS’ TALK
In a world where everything is in motion, with everyone heading toward a destination, some to perdition and some to salvation, The Vagaries of Life… is a collection of short stories where the characters are on their various journeys. Helen in You Will Die If You Scream, out of nowhere, finds herself in some life’s drama and intrigue. In the Silent Thief, the children play on their mother’s intelligence. Is This Love Or What? takes us through an emotional roller-coaster. Florence introduces a murder mystery element and suspense that questions our beliefs. In Simple Things of Life, the God element seems to reassure us. Then, In The Train, the doubts return. The Break-In shocks us back into reality, and so does Wedged In. At last, Girls’ Talk brings relief from all this action-packed, drama and tension. Or did it?
136 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 15, 2019
This was an intriguing read. I loved the stories in this book as well as the additional 'girl talk' that is narrated through the stories of three young Nigerian women towards the end of the book. The book 'Vagaries Of Life' is a pleasant read based on suspenseful situations, mysterious, deadly encounters & failure of relationships. Most if not all the short stories are set in Nigeria. Lo-Bamijoko has done a brilliant job with her dialogues, character construction, the crafting of her stories & showing the real side of what it is like to be a woman in Nigeria. I applaud her for writing this brave & intense book. I especially loved the table-talk narrative that happens in 'Girls' Talk'. I'm a huge fan of table talk fiction myself, & Lo-Bamijoko has done a brilliant job with the three Nigerian young women narratives. Do support the author & read her book. Buy a copy of 'Vagaries of Life' today. Happy reading to all !
February 25, 2018
I read this book via an Amazon-US KINDLE Unlimited download.
How many times have we read coming of age stories where the young female protagonist begins her trek to total womanhood, and all the pleasant and harsh realities which go along with it. Not along does this book by Joy Nwosu Lo-Bamijoko take her readers on this journey with Justina, she also gives us wonderful embellishment with an introduction to the Nigerian culture.
Jealousy is a powerful element where the innocent victim can suffer deplorably, and for our protagonist, this is painfully true. In this story Justina is tormented by the boys at her school just for daring to be rather smarter. And what had saddened me the most is that the other beatings she had to endure had been incited by one of her controlling sisters.
Treatment like this gives an individual a tougher skin, and creates a determination to thrust forwards regardless the barriers which might appear along the way.
Justina unfortunately still in search of having friends only to find out they’d not been interested in her as a person but for only what assistance she could give them. But it was only after the event of losing her child, that galvanized her realization that with a solitary lifestyle her existence would be more pleasant than it already has been.
There’s an apparent reason I believe for the author to have chosen the title she did for her book. Just like a pregnant woman giving birth to her child doesn’t know what the future will bring; we as individuals don’t what tomorrow will bring, except that choices have to be made on a continuous on-going basis. While some of these might turn out to be good, other will be turn out to be bad; our main desire is to persevere so we can see another day, by learning the mistakes we’ve made along the way.
For having me and her readers a truly thought-provoking book, I’ve given this author 5 STARS.
How many times have we read coming of age stories where the young female protagonist begins her trek to total womanhood, and all the pleasant and harsh realities which go along with it. Not along does this book by Joy Nwosu Lo-Bamijoko take her readers on this journey with Justina, she also gives us wonderful embellishment with an introduction to the Nigerian culture.
Jealousy is a powerful element where the innocent victim can suffer deplorably, and for our protagonist, this is painfully true. In this story Justina is tormented by the boys at her school just for daring to be rather smarter. And what had saddened me the most is that the other beatings she had to endure had been incited by one of her controlling sisters.
Treatment like this gives an individual a tougher skin, and creates a determination to thrust forwards regardless the barriers which might appear along the way.
Justina unfortunately still in search of having friends only to find out they’d not been interested in her as a person but for only what assistance she could give them. But it was only after the event of losing her child, that galvanized her realization that with a solitary lifestyle her existence would be more pleasant than it already has been.
There’s an apparent reason I believe for the author to have chosen the title she did for her book. Just like a pregnant woman giving birth to her child doesn’t know what the future will bring; we as individuals don’t what tomorrow will bring, except that choices have to be made on a continuous on-going basis. While some of these might turn out to be good, other will be turn out to be bad; our main desire is to persevere so we can see another day, by learning the mistakes we’ve made along the way.
For having me and her readers a truly thought-provoking book, I’ve given this author 5 STARS.
May 25, 2017
This was a detailed, interesting, and sometimes heartbreaking journey of a young Nigerian woman, Tina. I learned about the culture through Tina’s journey. She leaves her home to go to Rome to get an education in music. The author’s immersion of the character into a new place, with no support, keeps the reader turning the pages to see what will happen next. She was an intelligent woman who made some bad decisions and survived bad people, but always moved on with determination. Tina’s strength was picking herself up—no matter what the situation. “Pregnant Future” is a moving story that shows what the human spirit can overcome.
November 16, 2020
The cover is beyond perfect for this story. Author Joy Nwosu Lo-Bamijoko gives the reader how to overcome oppression that begins early in her life. Birth order has its drawbacks in this case. Justina is a well-developed character that grows throughout the story. Her early trials in rural Nigeria clearly paint a picture of the prejudiced attitude prevalent in the 1960s. This talented, committed young girl wants her education and is not afraid to work to earn it. Winning a scholarship to expand her studies in Italy opens the door to hope. Her remarkable attitude is the element that tips the scale.
This motivational story shows the value of grit and tenacity against the odds. When Justina takes a trip abroad, her integrity, the others are questioned against a powerful adversary. The girls stick to the facts and gain a foothold into believability. I appreciated the following description as it illustrates how some people can only feel power by lying.
“Everything in the trunk had been ransacked. She had gone into all our bags and ransacked them, with the exception of her own bag. She couldn’t have known that I had put her passport in the side pocket of her bag after she’d refused to take it back in Hamburg. When I saw that she hadn’t ransacked her bag, I told the policemen to search Vero’s bag for her passport. They did and found her passport where I said it was.
“Whose bag is this?” he inquired.
“Vero’s bag,” we girls chorused.
“Ma’am, is this your bag?” The policeman showed her the bag, and she nodded to indicate that it was. “And is this your passport?” He showed her the passport. Again, she nodded. The policeman walked away with her bag and passport to his car to confer with the other officers. They returned after a while without the bag or the passport.
“You all have to follow us to the station.”
Justina (Tina) grows into a confident person who won’t simply accept the pain of being controlled by anyone except herself. The maturity she shows after her baby died made my heart swell with hope for her survival. People need friends, however trusting people can be hard when you have been hurt so much.
We all face hurdles while growing, but the one faced by Justina are daunting to say the least. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to be charged with the possibilities of overcoming the odds. It may help you discover your inner strength. I am in awe of this writer and this story!
This motivational story shows the value of grit and tenacity against the odds. When Justina takes a trip abroad, her integrity, the others are questioned against a powerful adversary. The girls stick to the facts and gain a foothold into believability. I appreciated the following description as it illustrates how some people can only feel power by lying.
“Everything in the trunk had been ransacked. She had gone into all our bags and ransacked them, with the exception of her own bag. She couldn’t have known that I had put her passport in the side pocket of her bag after she’d refused to take it back in Hamburg. When I saw that she hadn’t ransacked her bag, I told the policemen to search Vero’s bag for her passport. They did and found her passport where I said it was.
“Whose bag is this?” he inquired.
“Vero’s bag,” we girls chorused.
“Ma’am, is this your bag?” The policeman showed her the bag, and she nodded to indicate that it was. “And is this your passport?” He showed her the passport. Again, she nodded. The policeman walked away with her bag and passport to his car to confer with the other officers. They returned after a while without the bag or the passport.
“You all have to follow us to the station.”
Justina (Tina) grows into a confident person who won’t simply accept the pain of being controlled by anyone except herself. The maturity she shows after her baby died made my heart swell with hope for her survival. People need friends, however trusting people can be hard when you have been hurt so much.
We all face hurdles while growing, but the one faced by Justina are daunting to say the least. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to be charged with the possibilities of overcoming the odds. It may help you discover your inner strength. I am in awe of this writer and this story!
January 31, 2020
I loved this book. 'Pregnant Future' by talented author Joy Nwosu Lo-Bamijoko is the story of her youth in Nigeria & Rome. The book chronicles her courage & bravery in spite of so much of hardship. The book is a well written biography & I just love Joy's style of writing. I was unable to put the book down once I started to read it. Joy's tale of her life in Nigeria with a difficult mother & older sister grabs you immediately in the first part of the book. I loved the way the biographer brought out her true feelings candidly for the reader to get a better understanding of her life. Once the author goes to Rome, things become frightening in the biography & her determination to stand up for what she believes in in spite of all the odds makes that portion of the book full of inspiration. The author's determination to get an education in spite of so many hurdles, distractions & assaults is something which touched my soul to the core. I was near to tears when I read about the author's traumatic experiences with men in Rome. I felt her pain & anguish, no one deserved the assaults she had to go through. While reading the book I was numb in certain instances by the harrowing experiences of the author. I was especially on the edge when I read about the way the author was picked up from the airport in Rome. The book 'Pregnant Future' is a book about courage, determination & perseverance. I highly recommend this book for everyone to read. It's not for the faint of heart, but it can change your life. Get your copy of Joy's biography 'Pregnant Future' today. Looking for a book which can change the way you look at life & the privileges you have then read this book. Looking for a well written motivational biography then this is the book for you. Looking for a book which is written like a literary novel but chronicles the truth of a young Nigerian woman's life to finding her true destiny then grab your copy of 'Pregnant Future' today. I look forward to reading more books by Joy in the near future. I salute her bravery.
August 17, 2020
In Pregnant Future (2017), author Joy Nwosu Lo-Bamijoko chronicles the life of Justina, bereaved of a beloved father and left with a beleaguered mother and traitorous sister Tessy. In this coming-of-age memoir, the writer follows Justina’s adventures from girlhood to young adulthood, struggling to survive. The odyssey takes the protagonist from Enugu, Nigeria, westward to Rome, then to London, and finally again to Nigeria, arriving closer to the kind of life she dreamed for herself.
Early on, Justina is aware of being a girl in a man’s world, resisting their control by learning to protect her rights. She bucks the system stacked against her: bullying in grade school, denial of rights for acceptance at two colleges, struggling to learn new languages, and betrayals by male friends. Her story is also characterized by huge losses including a scholarship; her infant son Alberto; her voice; and two siblings, casualties of the Biafran war.
By dint of her indomitable spirit, Justina graduates in Voice Studies and Filmmaking and begins as an entrepreneur in Rome, starting her own business of batik and tie dying. As her biography suggests, Justina, probably a pen name, later goes on to acquire a doctorate in music from the University of Michigan, USA, spending her life teaching music, publishing in scholarly journals, and writing short stories and books, two in the Italian language.
The author certainly succeeds in telling the story of a woman undeterred by huge obstacles As she says in the dedication, “with this book, I want to bring closure to how, at one time, in my life, I went into the deeps, and God saved me. To God Be the Glory!”
Early on, Justina is aware of being a girl in a man’s world, resisting their control by learning to protect her rights. She bucks the system stacked against her: bullying in grade school, denial of rights for acceptance at two colleges, struggling to learn new languages, and betrayals by male friends. Her story is also characterized by huge losses including a scholarship; her infant son Alberto; her voice; and two siblings, casualties of the Biafran war.
By dint of her indomitable spirit, Justina graduates in Voice Studies and Filmmaking and begins as an entrepreneur in Rome, starting her own business of batik and tie dying. As her biography suggests, Justina, probably a pen name, later goes on to acquire a doctorate in music from the University of Michigan, USA, spending her life teaching music, publishing in scholarly journals, and writing short stories and books, two in the Italian language.
The author certainly succeeds in telling the story of a woman undeterred by huge obstacles As she says in the dedication, “with this book, I want to bring closure to how, at one time, in my life, I went into the deeps, and God saved me. To God Be the Glory!”
September 30, 2020
They say that which doesn’t kill us makes us stronger and, in "Pregnant Future," Tina surely grew stronger as time went on. For Tina, nothing was easy. As a child, she suffered abuse. As an adult, she couldn’t get a break. For example, someone she thought was her friend helped her escape a disastrous situation, but then expected payment in a manner she was unwilling to provide. Ultimately, he stole it from her.
When she was finally comfortably situated and life appeared to be looking up, the death of her son was yet another blow and her security was lost. With help from a kind stranger, she started a small business, but perceived family responsibilities demanded she abandon it. Her brief achievements were foiled at every turn, until ultimately, Tina realized that in order to succeed, she had to depend on herself. She had to walk away from her past and the people who were holding her back. And, so she did. This chronicle is well-written with a lot of dialogue, which I always prefer. Tina is an engaging character, and when she “danced in her undies” I actually laughed out loud. It was an excellent read.
When she was finally comfortably situated and life appeared to be looking up, the death of her son was yet another blow and her security was lost. With help from a kind stranger, she started a small business, but perceived family responsibilities demanded she abandon it. Her brief achievements were foiled at every turn, until ultimately, Tina realized that in order to succeed, she had to depend on herself. She had to walk away from her past and the people who were holding her back. And, so she did. This chronicle is well-written with a lot of dialogue, which I always prefer. Tina is an engaging character, and when she “danced in her undies” I actually laughed out loud. It was an excellent read.
July 27, 2017
From a young age, Tina struggles with people who want to take advantage of her. Boys in her classroom bullied her and even her mother and sister gang up on her. Being very intelligent she is determined to make something of herself and after several attempts at different schools, she wins a scholarship in Rome to study music. Tina again finds herself being used and abused by others. Even with the relationship struggles that dog her life she succeeds and after returning to Nigeria and her home decides to continue the life she sees for herself. The book is well written and I am looking forward to how Tina's life unfolds.
July 4, 2017
A Remarkable Story
I enjoyed this story very much and was intrigued by the culture and what a young woman can expect which isn't very much. The writing was superb and helped to maintain my interest from beginning to the end. I felt the emotions of the main character and cried at times; feeling what she was feeling. That's the trademark of a good writer. The flow was smooth. I gave it 5 stars for a well-written memoir. Congratulations to the author!
I enjoyed this story very much and was intrigued by the culture and what a young woman can expect which isn't very much. The writing was superb and helped to maintain my interest from beginning to the end. I felt the emotions of the main character and cried at times; feeling what she was feeling. That's the trademark of a good writer. The flow was smooth. I gave it 5 stars for a well-written memoir. Congratulations to the author!
October 6, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this read by Joy Lo-Bamijoko.Many of us could surely identify with some stories surrounding more difficult moments of our lives.
Joy, captures every emotion experienced by many in the short stories.
Two stories that impressed me were 'The Break-in.' where Mercy encounters her estranged husband who left her 10 years before after he breaks into her home to see her and the children.Fortunately being an educated woman she managed to convince the judge that everything her ex-husband Ibrahim said about her was lies and that the last straw was when he tried to bring another women into the house she owned and told her to leave.Mercy,told them that as the owner she would be staying in her home.That was 10 years before and they both left together.Fortunately the judge told him he had married for convenience and never grown up.And that he should man up and only see his children when he could pay child support and be a proper father to them.
The second story 'Girl's Talk.' tells of 3 girls who meet and talk every Saturday night about the disasters each had experienced with their partners.One goes to the movies coming back to find she was locked out.The next felt she became to needy on her man,and thought that to be the reason he left. One night he reappears and the loving starts up again,he then promises to return next day.But doesn't. The last went against her parents wishes and married an unsuitable,uneducated man with dior consequences.
Joy's eloquent writing makes her characters stand out and the intricate stories a delight to read.Thank -you Joy.
Joy, captures every emotion experienced by many in the short stories.
Two stories that impressed me were 'The Break-in.' where Mercy encounters her estranged husband who left her 10 years before after he breaks into her home to see her and the children.Fortunately being an educated woman she managed to convince the judge that everything her ex-husband Ibrahim said about her was lies and that the last straw was when he tried to bring another women into the house she owned and told her to leave.Mercy,told them that as the owner she would be staying in her home.That was 10 years before and they both left together.Fortunately the judge told him he had married for convenience and never grown up.And that he should man up and only see his children when he could pay child support and be a proper father to them.
The second story 'Girl's Talk.' tells of 3 girls who meet and talk every Saturday night about the disasters each had experienced with their partners.One goes to the movies coming back to find she was locked out.The next felt she became to needy on her man,and thought that to be the reason he left. One night he reappears and the loving starts up again,he then promises to return next day.But doesn't. The last went against her parents wishes and married an unsuitable,uneducated man with dior consequences.
Joy's eloquent writing makes her characters stand out and the intricate stories a delight to read.Thank -you Joy.
September 10, 2020
Author Joy Nwosu Lo-Bamijoko gives the reader a fascinating collection of short stories that highlight her commitment to faith. She elegantly includes race, religion, empowerment, and nationality in each of the tales. The experience and lessons are uplifting.
In the first story, Helen accepts a ride from a man she believes attends her church. The terrifying ordeal Helen experiences delivers a convincing
The family dynamics in the second story highlights a practice that occurs across races and communities. It is incredibly sad that the choices caused these results.
“One day, I came home from school, and from afar, I heard her singing. I hid to listen. I wanted to see whether the words of her song might help me understand her.
My world! Bad Fate! My father grabbed me and threw me away My mother told me, go and don’t look back. Go where, mother, and with whom? Go, my child, it is our fate That’s how I went on a marriage journey I am on a marriage journey.”
Florence, the third story, has details that paint a vivid picture of lies and betrayal. This one, along with all the others, speaks of strong women who rise to any challenge. The life experiences shared within each of these stories are plausible as they highlight inequities, betrayals, mistrust, and strength of character.
These stories provide great insights into various cultures, lessons on ways to navigate life as a strong woman, and messages to ponder as well as reflect on. I liked the style of writing and found myself wondering how many of these stories are reality-based—a good read.
In the first story, Helen accepts a ride from a man she believes attends her church. The terrifying ordeal Helen experiences delivers a convincing
The family dynamics in the second story highlights a practice that occurs across races and communities. It is incredibly sad that the choices caused these results.
“One day, I came home from school, and from afar, I heard her singing. I hid to listen. I wanted to see whether the words of her song might help me understand her.
My world! Bad Fate! My father grabbed me and threw me away My mother told me, go and don’t look back. Go where, mother, and with whom? Go, my child, it is our fate That’s how I went on a marriage journey I am on a marriage journey.”
Florence, the third story, has details that paint a vivid picture of lies and betrayal. This one, along with all the others, speaks of strong women who rise to any challenge. The life experiences shared within each of these stories are plausible as they highlight inequities, betrayals, mistrust, and strength of character.
These stories provide great insights into various cultures, lessons on ways to navigate life as a strong woman, and messages to ponder as well as reflect on. I liked the style of writing and found myself wondering how many of these stories are reality-based—a good read.
January 4, 2019
enjoyed these short stories from Joy Lo-Bamijoko. In the first story, a woman accepts an offer for a lift home after church. But what happens next is both horrifying and what could be a real circumstance. But, the outcome is rewarding and satisfying with many lives saved. There is a common thread that runs throughout these stories and that is one of faith and belief in a higher power. This author brings varying life scenarios to the forefront with vivid clarity. She encompasses race, religion, creed, and nationality throughout in a tasteful way. With several of the short stories set in Nigeria, she gives us a glimpse at how women in that country are oppressed and how some choose to fight back, as in "The Break-In." In this story, a woman is working to support her children alone, as her husband has abandoned them several years past. When he returns, he demands to have his family restored to him as if nothing has happened. Thank goodness the Judge sees through him in court. A line from "Girl's Talk," epitomizes the oppression. "You know, girls, you would think that our education would earn us some respect from our men, but no. The more you are educated, the more they want to put you down, the more they want to belittle you." Through those lines, you can see how backward many parts of the world still are where women and their rights are concerned. If you enjoy stories that carry a message, you'll enjoy each of these empowering tales.
April 5, 2019
Vagaries of Life and: Girls’ Talk by Joy Lo – Bamijoko is a collection of short stories that focus on the vulnerability of women in a society, which looks down upon them and considers a single woman to be a sin in Nigeria. No woman could walk into a restaurant alone. A smile is interpreted as an invitation to bed. Even an educated woman, with a master’s degree could be humiliated and made to suffer by an insensitive and selfish husband.
However, Joy’s women know how to stand up against men who dominate and subjugate them. Helen, with her presence of mind, Florence with her fortitude, Liz with her determination and Mercy with her bold court case against her ex-husband prove that they possess the power to fight. Ayo knows that they should never let their spirit be dampened and “the secret is to hit back.” All these characters infuse a ray of hope and light.
This book could inspire all those women who live with domestic abuse for fear of facing the oppressive unwritten rules of some societies. I liked the style of handling some serious themes in simple language, without much drama or emotion.
However, Joy’s women know how to stand up against men who dominate and subjugate them. Helen, with her presence of mind, Florence with her fortitude, Liz with her determination and Mercy with her bold court case against her ex-husband prove that they possess the power to fight. Ayo knows that they should never let their spirit be dampened and “the secret is to hit back.” All these characters infuse a ray of hope and light.
This book could inspire all those women who live with domestic abuse for fear of facing the oppressive unwritten rules of some societies. I liked the style of handling some serious themes in simple language, without much drama or emotion.
May 22, 2019
A wonderfully heartwarming story about one young Nigerian woman finding her way to womanhood through education. It was interesting to learn about the Nigerian culture, the role of Catholicism, and the educational opportunities. The main character is quite intelligent and musically talented. She struggles in her relationships with men, the loss of a child, and a brutal drug-induced rape.
A well written book that is a page turner. I hope the author will write a "Part II" to learn what happens to the main character.
Merged review:
I enjoyed reading this series of short stories which emphasize the strength of women. Each story has a lesson from which we can all learn. The story about the mother who left her family to be with the love of her life was touching and thought provoking. There is the continuing theme of men oppressing women; arranged marriages; and the importance of women being educated.
Informative and inspiring.
A well written book that is a page turner. I hope the author will write a "Part II" to learn what happens to the main character.
Merged review:
I enjoyed reading this series of short stories which emphasize the strength of women. Each story has a lesson from which we can all learn. The story about the mother who left her family to be with the love of her life was touching and thought provoking. There is the continuing theme of men oppressing women; arranged marriages; and the importance of women being educated.
Informative and inspiring.
March 26, 2019
“Vagaries of Life and: Girls’ Talk” is an entertaining collection of short stories. I enjoyed the strong female characters that provided wonderful examples of bravery and faith. Some of the stories were set in Nigeria, which pulled me in. There were many different subjects including murder, kidnapping, mystery, faith, robbery, and relationships. Each story had a lesson weaved into it. “You Will Die if you Scream” left a chill behind because it could very well happen. This book was uniquely written, and I was invested in the outcome of each story. If you like learning about new cultures, resilient women, and inspirational themes, this is for you.
March 14, 2021
I've read other books from this author and have thoroughly enjoyed them, but I had a little bit more difficulty losing myself in these short stories. I enjoyed getting a glimpse into a cultural world so different from my own. The author does a good job in sharing the struggles that Igbo women face within their society. I just felt as if the stories were more telling than showing, so it was hard for me to lose myself within them. There were a couple of stories that had a bit of head-hopping, and some of the stories felt repetitive. Still, the messages of the stories resonate with women from all cultures.
March 27, 2019
VAGARIES OF LIFE - A Different Kind of Life
It is a collection of short stories with a single theme running through them. Women are treated as second class citizens. The stories deal with the women's responses to this unfair treatment and how they navigate their lives around it. It's similar to countries all around the world and the mistreatment of women.
I give it 5 stars because of the topic and the author's writing style. It is easy to follow even though English is not her first language.
It is a collection of short stories with a single theme running through them. Women are treated as second class citizens. The stories deal with the women's responses to this unfair treatment and how they navigate their lives around it. It's similar to countries all around the world and the mistreatment of women.
I give it 5 stars because of the topic and the author's writing style. It is easy to follow even though English is not her first language.
August 7, 2020
“VAGARIES OF LIFE” is a unique collection. Each tale is a slice of life. “You Will Die if You Scream” is a story of danger, quick thinking and self-reliance. In “The Silent Thief” mother knew best, as mother’s often do. “Simple Things in Life” is a beautifully written, thought provoking contemplation of faith. “The Break-In” describes an appropriate result to a bad and life-changing decision. “Girls’ Talk” is a lesson of self-respect. If I had been able to speak to some of the characters, I would have said, “Bravo! Good for you, girl!”
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews