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Daughter in Exile: A Novel
[ MP3 CD Format ] The acclaimed author of The Teller of Secrets returns with a gut-wrenching, yet heartwarming, story about a young Ghanaian woman's struggle to make a life in the US, and the challenges she must overcome. Lola is twenty-one, and her life in Senegal couldn't be better. An aspiring writer and university graduate, she has a great job, a nice apartment, a vibrant social life, and a future filled with possibility. But fate disrupts her world when she falls for Armand, an American Marine stationed at the U.S. Embassy. Her mother, a high court judge in Ghana, disapproves of her choice, but nothing will stop Lola from boarding a plane for Armand and America. That fateful flight is only the beginning of an extraordinary journey; she has traded her carefree existence in Senegal for the perilous position of an undocumented immigrant in 1990s America. Lola encounters adversity that would crush a less-determined woman. Her fate hangs on whether or not she'll grow in courage to forge a different life from one she'd imagined, whether she'll succeed in putting herself and family together again. Daughter in Exile is a hope-filled story about mother love, resilience, and unyielding strength.
1 pages, Audio CD
First published January 31, 2023
77 people are currently reading
7644 people want to read
About the author
Bisi Adjapon
5 books162 followersAuthor of The Teller of Secrets. Top 10 Amazon Editors' Choice, Washington Post, Boston Globe, Pop Sugar, Ms. Magazine, ALA, American Booksellers Association, Globe and Mail, Mail and Guardian, BiblioLifestyle, Book Buzz. DAUGHTER IN EXILE will be released January 31, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 221 reviews
November 10, 2023
Daughter in Exile starts out very promising, in fact, I almost wish the entire book was set in Senegal. While I know the struggles a lot of people face when they immigrate I felt the book just did not let up on the hardships. I get it, it is hard but after the 7th major incident I thought, this author does not like this character because... what?
Honestly, it was not for me.
Honestly, it was not for me.
February 10, 2023
This book is about a Ghanaian woman living her best life in Senegal. Life couldn't get any better...until she decides to come to the US.
Wow! I couldn't put this down! I was hooked from the beginning and almost read it in one sitting. I would sum up this book as the rollercoaster an immigrant goes through when they come over to the US; a journey that is very similar and painful no matter what country you come from.
The whole fighting for a green card situation was very relatable, especially since it took me years to finally get my US citizenship. The part where she talked about how US citizens are always baffled on why it's so hard to become a US citizen as an immigrant, 100% on point. Even though I came here legally and went through the process the "right" way, it didn't happen in a year or even five. I didn't became a US citizen until I had graduated from college...it took over 20+ years🥴
Anyways, that's just a snippet of what happens in the story. I don't want to get too deep, but there is so much you will find relatable in this book as an immigrant or as family of immigrants. That being said, there are quite a few triggers in this one for many immigrants so just be aware of that.
This book is one of my new favorites, and I highly recommend it 1000%❤️ If you liked Dominicana by Angie Cruz, you'll love this one! Another immigrant story with false promises that will stick with me for a very long time.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and HarperVia for the e-arc.
Wow! I couldn't put this down! I was hooked from the beginning and almost read it in one sitting. I would sum up this book as the rollercoaster an immigrant goes through when they come over to the US; a journey that is very similar and painful no matter what country you come from.
The whole fighting for a green card situation was very relatable, especially since it took me years to finally get my US citizenship. The part where she talked about how US citizens are always baffled on why it's so hard to become a US citizen as an immigrant, 100% on point. Even though I came here legally and went through the process the "right" way, it didn't happen in a year or even five. I didn't became a US citizen until I had graduated from college...it took over 20+ years🥴
Anyways, that's just a snippet of what happens in the story. I don't want to get too deep, but there is so much you will find relatable in this book as an immigrant or as family of immigrants. That being said, there are quite a few triggers in this one for many immigrants so just be aware of that.
This book is one of my new favorites, and I highly recommend it 1000%❤️ If you liked Dominicana by Angie Cruz, you'll love this one! Another immigrant story with false promises that will stick with me for a very long time.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and HarperVia for the e-arc.
November 7, 2024
Lola has been through so much. One after another, damn! What if she had just stayed in Dakar? What’s so special about America? Your children had to move from one house to another every 2 weeks, poor Dele. When Lola refused to go back to Ghana after Armand’s ordeal, I wanted to slap her so bad. And what happened to Rob? And then Kemi!? I cannot. What even is this story? Lola, hats off to you girl.
3.8🌟 I loved the Ghanaian Symbols. The writing was easy to get into, the timing was great. It really felt like I was in that decade 1997-2007, experiencing cold American winters, and people. Reading this a day after the American elections had me thanking God I never stepped a foot there chile 😮💨
3.8🌟 I loved the Ghanaian Symbols. The writing was easy to get into, the timing was great. It really felt like I was in that decade 1997-2007, experiencing cold American winters, and people. Reading this a day after the American elections had me thanking God I never stepped a foot there chile 😮💨
February 11, 2023
Thanks to @harperviabooks and @harperaudio for advanced copies of #DaughterInExile.
I recently listened to 𝗗𝗔𝗨𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗜𝗡 𝗘𝗫𝗜𝗟𝗘 by Bisi Adjapon. It’s the story of a college educated Ghanaian woman who finds herself in the United States after falling in love with an American Marine. She’s pregnant and he’s made promises. Promises that he fails to keep, leaving Lola to fend for herself. The story itself was good even though it felt a little YA to me. That was mainly because of the rapid rate at which problems were thrown in Lola’s path and quickly resolved, often by kind people in the community around her. A few times, this would have felt plausible, but it felt less so the more it happened.
The bigger issue with this audiobook for me was the narrator, who I’m choosing not to mention. Her narration of Lola was great. A gentle voice, solid and easy to listen to. But, when she did other voices? Nails on a chalkboard. She screeched, she screamed, she did weird deep ramblings, she turned them into caricatures rather than characters. I had a print copy and should have stopped the audio, but I also had a lot going on where I needed to be listening rather than reading, so I soldiered on. It was painful and for that reason, I’m skipping a rating on this one, but I am curious to hear what other readers have thought of it.
I recently listened to 𝗗𝗔𝗨𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗜𝗡 𝗘𝗫𝗜𝗟𝗘 by Bisi Adjapon. It’s the story of a college educated Ghanaian woman who finds herself in the United States after falling in love with an American Marine. She’s pregnant and he’s made promises. Promises that he fails to keep, leaving Lola to fend for herself. The story itself was good even though it felt a little YA to me. That was mainly because of the rapid rate at which problems were thrown in Lola’s path and quickly resolved, often by kind people in the community around her. A few times, this would have felt plausible, but it felt less so the more it happened.
The bigger issue with this audiobook for me was the narrator, who I’m choosing not to mention. Her narration of Lola was great. A gentle voice, solid and easy to listen to. But, when she did other voices? Nails on a chalkboard. She screeched, she screamed, she did weird deep ramblings, she turned them into caricatures rather than characters. I had a print copy and should have stopped the audio, but I also had a lot going on where I needed to be listening rather than reading, so I soldiered on. It was painful and for that reason, I’m skipping a rating on this one, but I am curious to hear what other readers have thought of it.
February 13, 2023
Wow. I honestly could not put this one down! I read it in like a day and a half. My heart!! 😭 Ughhh this poor girl, I don't know how she remained so strong and hopeful, but she did. Her positivity and perseverance throughout her many adversaries was very admirable. There were so many terrible people in her life that constantly took advantage of her kind nature that I wanted to scream. Luckily she found some good ones who stuck by her side no matter what. This book was so utterly heartbreaking and frustrating, but so beautiful. I definitely teared up more than once. I loved the ending and when the book was over I wanted to read more! I absolutely loved this one. Highly recommend!
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January 9, 2023Lola is twenty-one, and her life in Senegal couldn’t be better. An aspiring writer and university graduate, she has a great job, a nice apartment, a vibrant social life, and a future filled with possibility. But fate disrupts her world when she falls for Armand, an American Marine stationed at the U.S. Embassy. Her mother, a high court judge in Ghana, disapproves of her choice, but nothing will stop Lola from boarding a plane for Armand and America.
From there Lola's life is turned upside down and not for the better.
Lola tries desperately to fight for her rights to stay In a country that, has the most absurd immigration laws ever. Not only that, she may lose something more precious to her than life itself.
From following her heart in Ghana to America, Lola will learn the meaning of hardship, that few Americans will ever have to face. Luckily Lola has the support of some very supportive friends, yet her decisions are still very unwise. There were so many times that I wanted to just shake this girl it was unreal.
Yet in the end, Lola finds the resolve and determination to fight what is best for those she loves.
This was a very gut wrenching book. I felt that there are so many Lola's out there in this world, taken advantage of.
Promised a rose garden, but delivered a thorn bush instead.
Adjapon did a wonderful job writing this book, Her characters were relatable and realistic, her word-building was stellar and flowed effortlessly.
Kudos!
"FANTASTIC!!"
Thank you, NetGalley\Bisi Adjapon \Harpervia\ for this amazing eARC in advance for my honest review. My opinions are of my own volition.
From there Lola's life is turned upside down and not for the better.
Lola tries desperately to fight for her rights to stay In a country that, has the most absurd immigration laws ever. Not only that, she may lose something more precious to her than life itself.
From following her heart in Ghana to America, Lola will learn the meaning of hardship, that few Americans will ever have to face. Luckily Lola has the support of some very supportive friends, yet her decisions are still very unwise. There were so many times that I wanted to just shake this girl it was unreal.
Yet in the end, Lola finds the resolve and determination to fight what is best for those she loves.
This was a very gut wrenching book. I felt that there are so many Lola's out there in this world, taken advantage of.
Promised a rose garden, but delivered a thorn bush instead.
Adjapon did a wonderful job writing this book, Her characters were relatable and realistic, her word-building was stellar and flowed effortlessly.
Kudos!
"FANTASTIC!!"
Thank you, NetGalley\Bisi Adjapon \Harpervia\ for this amazing eARC in advance for my honest review. My opinions are of my own volition.
December 30, 2022
I had the chance to read an advance reader copy of #daughterinexile by Bisi Adjapon 🇬🇭🇳🇬Wow! What a rollercoaster! It’s been a while since I read a book that kept me glued for hours at a time and reading through the night.
This book is a great portrayal of the realities of the immigrant life in America & paints a positive portrayal of Ghana and Senegal (my favorite part of the book is part one in Senegal). However, it is a sad tale about a young woman who simply can’t seem to catch a break although she’s fighting daily. Shows how one small decision can alter your life forever & how easily one can be blinded by love or manipulated by loved ones/religion.
Felt as if Lola’s life would never get better! No spoilers so I’ll stop here but if you’re like me and enjoy novels that wreck your emotions, be on the lookout for this book releasing January 2023..
Only wish is to have known what happened to her best friend Joana. We never hear anything about her ever again? She was her best friend. Also about Armand. It was such a shock…his sudden change of behavior. I really thought he was a good man. Would have liked to know if he ever got in touch.
What I did not enjoy was the “white savior” aspect. Black American people didn’t do right by Lola and it was unfortunate but also a reality for many immigrants..
Thank you for your voice and telling the stories of many immigrants.
This book is a great portrayal of the realities of the immigrant life in America & paints a positive portrayal of Ghana and Senegal (my favorite part of the book is part one in Senegal). However, it is a sad tale about a young woman who simply can’t seem to catch a break although she’s fighting daily. Shows how one small decision can alter your life forever & how easily one can be blinded by love or manipulated by loved ones/religion.
Felt as if Lola’s life would never get better! No spoilers so I’ll stop here but if you’re like me and enjoy novels that wreck your emotions, be on the lookout for this book releasing January 2023..
Only wish is to have known what happened to her best friend Joana. We never hear anything about her ever again? She was her best friend. Also about Armand. It was such a shock…his sudden change of behavior. I really thought he was a good man. Would have liked to know if he ever got in touch.
What I did not enjoy was the “white savior” aspect. Black American people didn’t do right by Lola and it was unfortunate but also a reality for many immigrants..
Thank you for your voice and telling the stories of many immigrants.
September 9, 2024
Like a 2.5* started off promising, but then got overwhelmed by the trials and tribulations 🧍🏾♀️
March 16, 2023
The best thing about this book is the pretty cover and the gorgeous coffee shop photo I was able to get out of it lol
This is supposed to be a story about a young African woman trying to make a life in America, surviving in the face of adversity, taking charge of her destiny against all odds. It didn't start out bad at all but by halfway through it felt like the author was making up "plot twists" just for the heck of it. So many loose ends that were never tied up, scenarios that actually made me cackle out of sheer ridiculousness - honestly every chapter i'd be like "bffr".
Don't waste your time with this one, I was honestly annoyed that I didn't dnf earlier.
This is supposed to be a story about a young African woman trying to make a life in America, surviving in the face of adversity, taking charge of her destiny against all odds. It didn't start out bad at all but by halfway through it felt like the author was making up "plot twists" just for the heck of it. So many loose ends that were never tied up, scenarios that actually made me cackle out of sheer ridiculousness - honestly every chapter i'd be like "bffr".
Don't waste your time with this one, I was honestly annoyed that I didn't dnf earlier.
March 8, 2023
This book was just okay. While I enjoyed elements of the story, I found that it dragged on way longer than it needed to. Part of me wonders if that's purposeful, as it helps to show how long and difficult and tedious the process of immigration can be; however, I think there's a point of diminishing return in the value that it adds to the story. It did help to provide some perspective on the immigrant experience, but I just didn't find it to be very well-written, and it didn't hook me.
December 6, 2022
4.5
This book! Half the time I was like, Lola, what are you thinking?!? Some crazy decisions were made that landed Lola in some crazy situations, but I have to say, it did make for a good story!
This book! Half the time I was like, Lola, what are you thinking?!? Some crazy decisions were made that landed Lola in some crazy situations, but I have to say, it did make for a good story!
February 13, 2023
What begins as an intriguing narrative quickly becomes a heartbreaking novel with depleting hope and unlikeable characters.
July 10, 2023
This book - deep breath- it had me hooked since the very beginning.
The reason I couldn't stop is the hope I had for Lola I firmly believed she would find her standing ground.
She would persevere all life threw at her and make something of her life.
I think part of me was so invested because I saw my own life where this past few years my life has been like that of Lola where I make progress, things seem to be working out then like someone starving and queueing for a delicious meal gets her plate yanked away just as they're about to be served, (this is a line from the book)
But like Lola I won't give up, God and the universe will continue to place people in my path willing to help me arrive at my destination ❤️
The reason I couldn't stop is the hope I had for Lola I firmly believed she would find her standing ground.
She would persevere all life threw at her and make something of her life.
I think part of me was so invested because I saw my own life where this past few years my life has been like that of Lola where I make progress, things seem to be working out then like someone starving and queueing for a delicious meal gets her plate yanked away just as they're about to be served, (this is a line from the book)
But like Lola I won't give up, God and the universe will continue to place people in my path willing to help me arrive at my destination ❤️
March 29, 2023
Have you ever read a book, and the whole time you could not fathom how much more hardship and challenges a person could go through?
This is exactly how I felt while reading Daughter in Exile by Bisi Adjapon.
This was such an amazing debut novel! Lola, an aspiring writer living in Senegal, has a great job and is living her best life. When she meets an American man who is a marine stationed at the U.S. embassy, she falls desperately in love with him. However, her mother disapproves of their relationship, but Lola is determined to make their relationship work even if it means leaving the only home she has known and moving to America.
To sum up this story, I would say it is a roller-coaster of emotions, challenges, obstacles, and hopes an immigrant living in America goes through.
There were plenty of times I was screaming at Lola to not make such unwise decisions, to just go back home or to not be so trustworthy towards some people. It was gut-wrenching at times while reading cause I just wanted her to just have some peace.
What I loved, though, was Lola had so much determination in going after what she felt was best for her life. She never gave up, even when things got tough, and she didn't know how else she was going to make it she still had hope things would turn out for the best!
The author did a phenomenal job with this book as I felt every emotion, every obstacle, and every triumph! Highly recommend!
This is exactly how I felt while reading Daughter in Exile by Bisi Adjapon.
This was such an amazing debut novel! Lola, an aspiring writer living in Senegal, has a great job and is living her best life. When she meets an American man who is a marine stationed at the U.S. embassy, she falls desperately in love with him. However, her mother disapproves of their relationship, but Lola is determined to make their relationship work even if it means leaving the only home she has known and moving to America.
To sum up this story, I would say it is a roller-coaster of emotions, challenges, obstacles, and hopes an immigrant living in America goes through.
There were plenty of times I was screaming at Lola to not make such unwise decisions, to just go back home or to not be so trustworthy towards some people. It was gut-wrenching at times while reading cause I just wanted her to just have some peace.
What I loved, though, was Lola had so much determination in going after what she felt was best for her life. She never gave up, even when things got tough, and she didn't know how else she was going to make it she still had hope things would turn out for the best!
The author did a phenomenal job with this book as I felt every emotion, every obstacle, and every triumph! Highly recommend!
March 16, 2023
"𝙸 𝚍𝚘𝚗'𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚠𝚊𝚒𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚎𝚗𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑 𝚖𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚢 𝚘𝚗𝚕𝚢 𝚝𝚘 𝚐𝚘 𝚠𝚎𝚎𝚙 𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚌𝚘𝚛𝚙𝚜𝚎. 𝙸𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎'𝚜 𝚊 𝚕𝚎𝚜𝚜𝚘𝚗 𝙸'𝚟𝚎 𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚗𝚎𝚍, 𝚒𝚝 𝚒𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎 𝚑𝚘𝚕𝚍𝚜 𝚗𝚘 𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚖𝚒𝚜𝚎𝚜 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚊𝚗𝚢𝚘𝚗𝚎, 𝚗𝚘 𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚐𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚊𝚗𝚢𝚘𝚗𝚎'𝚜 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚜. 𝙸 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚝𝚘𝚞𝚌𝚑 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚗𝚘𝚠, 𝚠𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚎 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎 𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚝𝚑𝚛𝚘𝚋𝚜 𝚒𝚗 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚟𝚎𝚒𝚗𝚜."
𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:
My heart, my heart! It just broke for Lola throughout this book. Brick wall after brick wall, it seemed she ran into after migrating to the US. All from the promise of man and something better. The painted picture was not as pretty as it seemed it would be the moment she stepped off the plane. But... Lola was strong. Lola was determined. Lola did not give up! Seeking help from friends and strangers, she continually pressed on, even when family seemed to turn their backs on her.
That's what I loved about this book!
✔️Determination
✔️Perseverance
✔️Sacrifice
No matter where Lola did end up finding love, peace, or refuge, she did everything in her power to make it despite any challenges!
𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:
My heart, my heart! It just broke for Lola throughout this book. Brick wall after brick wall, it seemed she ran into after migrating to the US. All from the promise of man and something better. The painted picture was not as pretty as it seemed it would be the moment she stepped off the plane. But... Lola was strong. Lola was determined. Lola did not give up! Seeking help from friends and strangers, she continually pressed on, even when family seemed to turn their backs on her.
That's what I loved about this book!
✔️Determination
✔️Perseverance
✔️Sacrifice
No matter where Lola did end up finding love, peace, or refuge, she did everything in her power to make it despite any challenges!
December 16, 2025
What a roller coaster.
February 24, 2023
i absolutely loved this book. a must read for everyone. it’s honestly hard to put into words a full review on this book, but i’m going to give it a try.
this is a story about quite a few things: love, heartbreak, motherhood, determination, trust, grit, resilience, respect, family, and SO much more.
the majority of those words also describe Lola — the main character. as a reader, we know her inner thoughts as she goes through this journey being an immigrant. this perspective just really had me hooked on the story.
this will be a book that will stay with me for a long time.
note: please check tw/cw
this is a story about quite a few things: love, heartbreak, motherhood, determination, trust, grit, resilience, respect, family, and SO much more.
the majority of those words also describe Lola — the main character. as a reader, we know her inner thoughts as she goes through this journey being an immigrant. this perspective just really had me hooked on the story.
this will be a book that will stay with me for a long time.
note: please check tw/cw
January 31, 2023
Great story. Great writing!
November 9, 2024
This book beautifully highlights the struggles of life in America for immigrants, racism, navigating motherhood, Christian nationalism, and cultural norms across America and western Africa. Would absolutely recommend this book to anyone!
January 30, 2023
Having read Bisi Adjapon’s debut novel, The Teller of Secrets, I was happy to be approved for an advance reader copy of Daughter in Exile. While the first is set in 1960s Ghana and tells the story of a half-Nigerian, half-Ghanaian who discovers and faces the consequences of gender inequity, the second is set largely in late 20th to early 21st century United States and dramatizes the trials of a young undocumented immigrant single mother, whose son is born as an American citizen shortly after her arrival.
The novel opens in May 2007 with Lola’s remark that the day will determine her immigrant status. She will become legal or be deported to Ghana.
Part I opens in 1995. With a Ghanaian judge for her mother, Lola has much going for her. She has graduated from university. She is employed in an embassy in Dakar, Senegal where she has made an international group of friends, including Americans who encourage her to visit or move to the U.S. one day. She dreams of becoming a successful writer. She falls for a Haitian American Marine named Armand, and the two begin making future plans, only to have him reassigned to another embassy.
Armand wants a large family someday, but he wants to make his fortune first and talks Lola into a surefire money-making scheme she is to carry out before coming to the U.S. to await his return from the new post. He gives her two thousand dollars to turn into many times more, and Lola sets the plan into motion. Realizing she is pregnant, she believes she and Armand will have a large nest egg with which to begin their marriage, raise their first child, and add to their family. All she will need to do is carry the new money to the U.S. and live with Armand’s friend, whom he promises will take her in until he can join her and they can marry.
When the money-making scheme goes wrong, Lola arrives to find no friend waiting at the airport. Although Armand’s friend eventually shows up, nothing is as Lola expected, and her situation goes from bad to worse. Armand doesn’t take kindly to her losing his money, and every time Lola believes luck smiles on her in terms of housing or a job opportunity, the reality of being an undocumented single mom in the U.S. strikes again.
Two special features of the novel caught my attention. First, each chapter opens with a Ghanaian Adinkra symbol, the West African aphorism it represents, and an English translation. Readers can easily find these expressions and symbols online, and they not only add an appropriate cultural touch, but encourage the reader to see how those aphorisms apply to the chapters. Second, starting in the prologue and continuing, Adjapon works in a series of letters exchanged between Lola and her mother back home in Ghana. Although her mother is furious that Lola left for the U.S. without telling her, for a man the mother does not know or trust, and pregnant with a baby Lola gives a Nigerian name, rather than a Ghanaian name, these letters help establish Lola’s Ghanaian past, her family ties, and, one might say, her identity. In short, they add depth and meaning to the book.
At a time when news networks regularly report the influx of undocumented immigrants and asylum seekers and the widespread anti-immigrant/refugee sentiment, Bisi Adjapon’s emotional Daughter in Exile proves a timely addition meriting placement at or near the top of readers’ TBR stack.
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperVia/HarperCollins for an advance reader copy.
The novel opens in May 2007 with Lola’s remark that the day will determine her immigrant status. She will become legal or be deported to Ghana.
Part I opens in 1995. With a Ghanaian judge for her mother, Lola has much going for her. She has graduated from university. She is employed in an embassy in Dakar, Senegal where she has made an international group of friends, including Americans who encourage her to visit or move to the U.S. one day. She dreams of becoming a successful writer. She falls for a Haitian American Marine named Armand, and the two begin making future plans, only to have him reassigned to another embassy.
Armand wants a large family someday, but he wants to make his fortune first and talks Lola into a surefire money-making scheme she is to carry out before coming to the U.S. to await his return from the new post. He gives her two thousand dollars to turn into many times more, and Lola sets the plan into motion. Realizing she is pregnant, she believes she and Armand will have a large nest egg with which to begin their marriage, raise their first child, and add to their family. All she will need to do is carry the new money to the U.S. and live with Armand’s friend, whom he promises will take her in until he can join her and they can marry.
When the money-making scheme goes wrong, Lola arrives to find no friend waiting at the airport. Although Armand’s friend eventually shows up, nothing is as Lola expected, and her situation goes from bad to worse. Armand doesn’t take kindly to her losing his money, and every time Lola believes luck smiles on her in terms of housing or a job opportunity, the reality of being an undocumented single mom in the U.S. strikes again.
Two special features of the novel caught my attention. First, each chapter opens with a Ghanaian Adinkra symbol, the West African aphorism it represents, and an English translation. Readers can easily find these expressions and symbols online, and they not only add an appropriate cultural touch, but encourage the reader to see how those aphorisms apply to the chapters. Second, starting in the prologue and continuing, Adjapon works in a series of letters exchanged between Lola and her mother back home in Ghana. Although her mother is furious that Lola left for the U.S. without telling her, for a man the mother does not know or trust, and pregnant with a baby Lola gives a Nigerian name, rather than a Ghanaian name, these letters help establish Lola’s Ghanaian past, her family ties, and, one might say, her identity. In short, they add depth and meaning to the book.
At a time when news networks regularly report the influx of undocumented immigrants and asylum seekers and the widespread anti-immigrant/refugee sentiment, Bisi Adjapon’s emotional Daughter in Exile proves a timely addition meriting placement at or near the top of readers’ TBR stack.
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperVia/HarperCollins for an advance reader copy.
November 4, 2023
Phew!
What a rollercoaster ride Lola put me through. Ha!
So many bad decisions eh!
Mtcheeeew
This is a story about Lola, a Ghanaian woman’s immigration journey in America.
She went through a whirlwind of problems as a single mother of 2 children trying to achieve the American dream.
It was filled with moments of tension and brilliance, and even though I shouted at her in my head many times, I rooted for Lola until the very end.
The happy ending thrilled me beyond measure!
Side note about Nigerian publishers: There are multiple complaints from twitter users about Nigerian American/Nigerian European literature taking over from literature about Nigerians living in Nigeria.
To me, the solution is simple.
Don’t drench people in misery without giving them light at the end of the tunnel.
Nigerian publishers that constantly push out woeful stories about Nigerians living in Nigeria and abroad , and compounding that with disastrous and sorrowful endings will soon lose readers.
People are suffering in real life. Home and abroad. There are so many struggles in the world. Several wars right now.
Reading should give people hope.
If they can’t even get that from your published books, they’ll gravitate towards books that give them hope.
Hence they look for non African books that promise light at the end of the tunnel.
This book made me sigh with relief at the end because it gave me the hope I needed.
Lola went through a lot, but came out stronger. I can do the same.
This is what most people want to see when reading or watching TV programs.
Nigerian publishers have increasingly put me off picking up Nigerian literary fiction.
The last book I read made me so upset, I vowed to steer clear.
Soon, many Nigerians in Nigeria will prefer to read about Nigerians living outside Nigeria, just to get the respite they need from their stressful lives.
There’s nothing wrong with publishing fiction that leave people with hope at the end. Try it 🙄
Rant over!
Loved this book 😊
What a rollercoaster ride Lola put me through. Ha!
So many bad decisions eh!
Mtcheeeew
This is a story about Lola, a Ghanaian woman’s immigration journey in America.
She went through a whirlwind of problems as a single mother of 2 children trying to achieve the American dream.
It was filled with moments of tension and brilliance, and even though I shouted at her in my head many times, I rooted for Lola until the very end.
The happy ending thrilled me beyond measure!
Side note about Nigerian publishers: There are multiple complaints from twitter users about Nigerian American/Nigerian European literature taking over from literature about Nigerians living in Nigeria.
To me, the solution is simple.
Don’t drench people in misery without giving them light at the end of the tunnel.
Nigerian publishers that constantly push out woeful stories about Nigerians living in Nigeria and abroad , and compounding that with disastrous and sorrowful endings will soon lose readers.
People are suffering in real life. Home and abroad. There are so many struggles in the world. Several wars right now.
Reading should give people hope.
If they can’t even get that from your published books, they’ll gravitate towards books that give them hope.
Hence they look for non African books that promise light at the end of the tunnel.
This book made me sigh with relief at the end because it gave me the hope I needed.
Lola went through a lot, but came out stronger. I can do the same.
This is what most people want to see when reading or watching TV programs.
Nigerian publishers have increasingly put me off picking up Nigerian literary fiction.
The last book I read made me so upset, I vowed to steer clear.
Soon, many Nigerians in Nigeria will prefer to read about Nigerians living outside Nigeria, just to get the respite they need from their stressful lives.
There’s nothing wrong with publishing fiction that leave people with hope at the end. Try it 🙄
Rant over!
Loved this book 😊
December 31, 2024
This book is a perfect example of why it’s so necessary to read stories from other perspectives, especially in our current times.
Lola is a newly arrived immigrant in the US in the mid-1990s, via Ghana via Senegal (at just 21 years old, she is already a stranger in a strange land twice over). Lola had been living a dream life in Senegal with a great job, lots of friends, a nice apartment, and all of the trimmings that come with privilege (her mother is a highly respected judge back in Ghana). She meets and falls in love with an American Marine stationed in Senegal, and finds herself pregnant just as he’s set to return home. She follows him in the hopes of creating a new life together as a family of three, but things quickly start to fall apart. The novel then follows Lola’s years-long journey towards trying to achieve citizenship in her new country.
I’ve read reviews of this book that complain that so much bad stuff happens to Lola that it’s unrealistic and that it’s hard to follow because she moves around so much - but that’s entirely the point. She is determined to do things the “right” way, and this book shows just how incredibly difficult that is. She is repeatedly kicked out of apartments, loses jobs for completely unjust reasons, and gets taken advantage of at every turn.
After reading this story, it’s a lot easier to understand why so many people come here - and stay - illegally (not that I am making a statement on that being “right” or “wrong” one way or another). It also highlights the fact that NO ONE would choose this path out of laziness; it comes from desperation and from truly not having any other options.
I wouldn’t call this an enjoyable read, but it certainly is an important one.
Lola is a newly arrived immigrant in the US in the mid-1990s, via Ghana via Senegal (at just 21 years old, she is already a stranger in a strange land twice over). Lola had been living a dream life in Senegal with a great job, lots of friends, a nice apartment, and all of the trimmings that come with privilege (her mother is a highly respected judge back in Ghana). She meets and falls in love with an American Marine stationed in Senegal, and finds herself pregnant just as he’s set to return home. She follows him in the hopes of creating a new life together as a family of three, but things quickly start to fall apart. The novel then follows Lola’s years-long journey towards trying to achieve citizenship in her new country.
I’ve read reviews of this book that complain that so much bad stuff happens to Lola that it’s unrealistic and that it’s hard to follow because she moves around so much - but that’s entirely the point. She is determined to do things the “right” way, and this book shows just how incredibly difficult that is. She is repeatedly kicked out of apartments, loses jobs for completely unjust reasons, and gets taken advantage of at every turn.
After reading this story, it’s a lot easier to understand why so many people come here - and stay - illegally (not that I am making a statement on that being “right” or “wrong” one way or another). It also highlights the fact that NO ONE would choose this path out of laziness; it comes from desperation and from truly not having any other options.
I wouldn’t call this an enjoyable read, but it certainly is an important one.
January 12, 2025
Every bad thing that could possibly happen seemed to happen to Lola.
Although I don’t fully understand the struggles of being undocumented in the U.S. or navigating the paperwork needed to stay in America, I found myself relating to Lola. The constant feeling of not belonging—of America not feeling like home—is something I deeply resonated with. Even though I was born in America, I grew up in Nigeria and didn’t move back until I was 13 (I’m 26 now), yet somehow, America still doesn’t feel like home. In many ways, this book validated that feeling for me.
The author did an incredible job capturing what life is like for non-U.S. citizens living in America. Even more so, they beautifully portrayed a mother’s love. Lola wanted to give up so many times, but she stayed strong for her kids. That resilience was inspiring.
The book also delved into Christianity and the church, and I have so much to say about this. It highlighted moments of racism, discrimination, and judgment within the church. Lola is far more patient than I could ever be because I would have left. The church pressured her to do things she didn’t want to do, simply because she was a single mother. When she was struggling to pay tuition for her kids at the church school, the pastor had the audacity to tell her to get another job—very odd. However, amidst all this, some church members did show up for her during the lowest points in her life, and that was truly beautiful to see.
My rating for this book is 3.8/5. It was a really good read, but the ending felt rushed, and there were too many themes and moving parts.
Although I don’t fully understand the struggles of being undocumented in the U.S. or navigating the paperwork needed to stay in America, I found myself relating to Lola. The constant feeling of not belonging—of America not feeling like home—is something I deeply resonated with. Even though I was born in America, I grew up in Nigeria and didn’t move back until I was 13 (I’m 26 now), yet somehow, America still doesn’t feel like home. In many ways, this book validated that feeling for me.
The author did an incredible job capturing what life is like for non-U.S. citizens living in America. Even more so, they beautifully portrayed a mother’s love. Lola wanted to give up so many times, but she stayed strong for her kids. That resilience was inspiring.
The book also delved into Christianity and the church, and I have so much to say about this. It highlighted moments of racism, discrimination, and judgment within the church. Lola is far more patient than I could ever be because I would have left. The church pressured her to do things she didn’t want to do, simply because she was a single mother. When she was struggling to pay tuition for her kids at the church school, the pastor had the audacity to tell her to get another job—very odd. However, amidst all this, some church members did show up for her during the lowest points in her life, and that was truly beautiful to see.
My rating for this book is 3.8/5. It was a really good read, but the ending felt rushed, and there were too many themes and moving parts.
September 28, 2023
The audiobook was fantastic ! Were it not for some little things which bothered me in the book, it would've have been a 5 stars. The narrator did an amazing job with the voices, intonation and delivering every single emotion and made everything simgle character come to life.
I enjoyed Lola's story right from the beginning, but I was not a fan of the pacing, especially the first half of the book. Everything simply happened without any time to really take in the events; and everything felt very predictable to me throughout the book except for one or two occurrences.
The pacing got better in the second part, and I felt like I could settle a little bit with Lola and follow her evolution, her growth without feeling the author's rush to get to the next part of the story; which did pull me out a bit of the story and made the execution a bit visible.
I also very much enjoyed the commentary on religion, faith and church life which felt realistic and well executed as well as the position of an undocumented immigrant. She did not make it bleak nor unrealistic to me, and showed the abuse, theft, ignorance or racism endured whilst also showing the love, help and true friendship she received.
This book has a lot to say and the way it was said was refreshing to me especially as I've read a lot about similar stories and being confronted to it in real life.
However, I wished that she taken more time to go indepth with certain things and remove a bit of some of Lola's misadventures to make room for introspection and less telling.
I enjoyed Lola's story right from the beginning, but I was not a fan of the pacing, especially the first half of the book. Everything simply happened without any time to really take in the events; and everything felt very predictable to me throughout the book except for one or two occurrences.
The pacing got better in the second part, and I felt like I could settle a little bit with Lola and follow her evolution, her growth without feeling the author's rush to get to the next part of the story; which did pull me out a bit of the story and made the execution a bit visible.
I also very much enjoyed the commentary on religion, faith and church life which felt realistic and well executed as well as the position of an undocumented immigrant. She did not make it bleak nor unrealistic to me, and showed the abuse, theft, ignorance or racism endured whilst also showing the love, help and true friendship she received.
This book has a lot to say and the way it was said was refreshing to me especially as I've read a lot about similar stories and being confronted to it in real life.
However, I wished that she taken more time to go indepth with certain things and remove a bit of some of Lola's misadventures to make room for introspection and less telling.
September 20, 2023
I generally like stories about people from other cultures and I did initially enjoy the story. It started to break down for me after Lola and Rob get married. His married character seemed such a departure from before marriage; lots of “honey” and “baby” and then dishonesty, jail and suicide? Brutal. After that the book became a series of choppy events and names. Lola moved an insane amount of times and yet there were always people that went out of their way to help her and this felt so unrealistic. The part about a custody battle with her in-laws was worked up and then suddenly deflated (and also, how come she was suddenly allowed to take Kemi out of the country once she was a permanent resident?). And the reunion with her mom-so anti-climactic! This book had great potential, but the execution just wasn’t up to par.
November 12, 2023
2.75
Meh...
Good things first. This book is very good at showing the US immigration system.
Now, the first part of the book is nice. 2nd and 3rd parts were back-to-back plot twists putting the main character in an increasingly difficult situation. All those plot-twists could have been avoided, if the MC would learn from her repeated similar mistakes. But the author seemed to have something against that character. It was borderline misery porn at one point.
There's too many characters, all arriving at once and very similar. Its difficult to keep track.
It was fun to read for me because I love drama and I had a 6-hour bus ride, so I didnt spend days on it. But the storyline is underwhelming....
Meh...
Good things first. This book is very good at showing the US immigration system.
Now, the first part of the book is nice. 2nd and 3rd parts were back-to-back plot twists putting the main character in an increasingly difficult situation. All those plot-twists could have been avoided, if the MC would learn from her repeated similar mistakes. But the author seemed to have something against that character. It was borderline misery porn at one point.
There's too many characters, all arriving at once and very similar. Its difficult to keep track.
It was fun to read for me because I love drama and I had a 6-hour bus ride, so I didnt spend days on it. But the storyline is underwhelming....
January 26, 2024
At a critical time in Nigeria’s history, so many people are looking to migrate, from all classes and ways of life. Because of that I feel this book is very timely. While readers revel in extensive and dramatic plots, this book truly captures the human condition especially for migration from West African countries.
Lola’s journey is terrifying as she endures so many horrid experiences living outside her country. I love her as a character and would have loved more depth in the other characters, like Rob. All in all, I hope both African and western readers go into this story with an open heart and mind.
I mistakenly assumed this would be a love story between a man and a woman but it really was a love story between parents and children, and love of self. 4 ⭐️
Lola’s journey is terrifying as she endures so many horrid experiences living outside her country. I love her as a character and would have loved more depth in the other characters, like Rob. All in all, I hope both African and western readers go into this story with an open heart and mind.
I mistakenly assumed this would be a love story between a man and a woman but it really was a love story between parents and children, and love of self. 4 ⭐️
May 24, 2023
This book was a bit of a chore to get through. The first act was strong, but the second and third act were slow going. The main protagonist was unbelievably naive, it became hard to feel sympathetic to her. There were too many characters to keep track of, I had a hard time discerning who was who.
I felt it was very telling that til the last 25 pages or so, Lola didn't really concern herself with the Black experience nor did she have positive relationships with Black people. She was slightly sanctimonious but also kind of a user of people (like Jacques). Idk, I felt for her struggle, but not really for her, personally.
It took a lot longer than I would've liked to finish this book.
I felt it was very telling that til the last 25 pages or so, Lola didn't really concern herself with the Black experience nor did she have positive relationships with Black people. She was slightly sanctimonious but also kind of a user of people (like Jacques). Idk, I felt for her struggle, but not really for her, personally.
It took a lot longer than I would've liked to finish this book.
June 2, 2023
Bisi Adjapon has created a profoundly moving narrative as to what it’s like to be an undocumented immigrant in 1990s America. The visceral and fluid experience of being perceived as a foreigner to white Americans combined with the cultural differences between Africans and American Blacks are executed perfectly in this story. Through Bisi’s gift of writing compelling fiction, the world can see the challenging adversity and stipulations that undocumented foreigners bear. Books as earnest as Daughter in Exile may be the golden emblem that brings us closer to understanding each other. This is my new favorite book!
January 9, 2024
Some people say this book is only filled with trauma, bad luck, and losses. However, I honestly struggle to see that. It’s a story of a smart girl making stupid decisions- understandable but stupid nonetheless. It’s filled with small victories, friendship, community, defeat, and strong headed courage. Heartbreaking but not sad. It’s a testament that beauty and life can be found even in the most unfortunate of situations.
A truly unforgettable book. Provides an amazing amazing reading experience.
P.S: My copy was signed by Ms. Bisi herself 😇😇😌
A truly unforgettable book. Provides an amazing amazing reading experience.
P.S: My copy was signed by Ms. Bisi herself 😇😇😌
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