Oyibo

by Ada Ihenachor

o·yi·bo (ōˈyiˈbō) - noun or adjective - Nigerian slang for a person who is fair skinned, mixed race, a foreigner, or white.

Written in lyrical and deeply moving prose that evokes the literary tradition of contemporary Nigerian novelists like Chinua Achebe and Chimamanda Adichie, Ada Ihenachor introduces a haunting protagonist and deftly weaves a mythic coming of age story that will remain with you long after you’ve turned the last page.

In 1976, prodigal daughter Songoli returns to her mother’s home in a remote south eastern Nigerian village—with a wailing toddler on her hip. Not long after, Songoli vanishes again, leaving the fair-skinned and dreadlocked child, Adesua, and unanswered questions behind. Fiercely devoted grandmother, Geraldine raises Adesua and is determined to shield the child from Songoli’s reckless absence. However, beyond the sheltered confines of their home, Adesua’s pale skin, head full of taboo dreadlocks, and indeterminate parentage raises questions throughout the village and invites dangerous scorn—which Geraldine stands up to.

When Adesua comes of age, Geraldine sends her away to boarding school to distance her from the villagers’ persecution. Yet, even at the school, Adesua is shunned by her peers for her appearance and is forced to exist on the periphery, a risky place to which she becomes reluctantly accustomed. But after a tragedy occurs, Adesua is forced to flee and embarks on a poignant journey spanning Lagos, New York, and Heaven in a desperate quest for answers and a place to belong.

Narrated in Adesua's stirring voice, OYIBO is an unflinching novel, a powerful meditation on motherhood that illuminates the fragility of home, the hunger for redemption, and the cosmic boundaries of love. OYIBO is compulsively readable and features vibrant characters including an ethereal moon, a teen who smokes expired cigarettes, an absent mother who subsists on a diet of Valium and talk shows, and a watchful gateman who spends his days vigilantly tuning a radio.

236 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 11, 2019

Reviews

[Oyindamola Sosanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome and so very well written! I really loved this book and could not drop it till I got to the last page .I really enjoyed the weaving of folklore( took me back to my childhood back home in Nigeria ) and the complicated yet relatable story of Adesua. I also really found the profound the relationships in Adesuas life. There is something to be gained or learnt from most human interactions and even the most painful episode in her life ended up being the architect of her healing and redemption.

[Nimma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this book because it's realistic and many of the characters, including the main character Adesua is very likeable. You really get a feel for her and understand her struggles, almost as if you are going through the experiences WITH her. It was an amazing book, and I'll definitely be rereading it over and over again!

[Chichi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Oyibo draws you in from the first page and the rest is a roller coaster of emotions. Ada’s writing is provoking, thoughtful and kept me engaged. It was easy to understand and identify with the characters. The heroine is formidable and is her own savior. It is a great read, you would love it!!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was so original and full of emotions that felt so true. The characters are well developed and compelling. I just finished the book and feel deeply satisfied with the tale of love and hurt, healing and forgiveness. To borrow my favorite sentence from the book: “Gratitude burst from my heart like a thousand tiny sparklers lit within my chest.”

[MT Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written novel that weaves together folklore and modernity in Adesua’s journey from Nigeria to New York. I most loved how the author broached uncomfortable and difficult topics of motherhood with deep complexity.

Merged review:

Beautifully written novel that weaves together folklore and modernity in Adesua’s journey from Nigeria to New York. I most loved how the author broached uncomfortable and difficult topics of motherhood with deep complexity.

[Niru Pradhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book! The first-person narrative is so impressive in Oyibo - you feel, see, smell, and fear the same things that the main character, Adesua, does on her difficult journey into adulthood. I couldn't put this book down and highly recommend it for book club or to enjoy on your own.

[Ada Ihenachor]

I wrote this book so of course I'm going to give it 5 unbiased stars :)