Onaedo: The Blacksmith's Daughter

by Ngozi Achebe

An introduction to an African world that will haunt and surprise; an exquisite story told from a point of view that is rarely heard. This is a tale of two women separated by four hundred years but linked by history. Maxine a modern American woman who is half white and half African comes across a set of diaries written by a slave in the 16th century in her quest to connect with her Nigerian father. Then there is Onaedo a young woman from that era who found herself in the middle of events that were set in motion in a country far away from her small town in Igboland in West Africa. This is a coming of age novel set in a terrifying age - the age of Portuguese discovery.

Genres: Nigeria, Historical, Fiction

370 pages, Paperback

First published March 11, 2010

Reviews

[Anita Isoken · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book in secondary school 2013. And since then I've searched everywhere but I can't download it online.. Its the best book I ever read. Thank you ngozi achebe. I never forgot the title.

[Lachi · Rating 4 out of 5]

i just remembered that i read this
4.5

[Jemimah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a beautiful work of art. Highly recommend

[Pogue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will have to say that this is not the typical book that I read it was chosen as I love to read local authors and Dr. Achebe is not only local for me but a co-worker as well. That being said on to the book.

This is going to be one of the more difficult reviews that I have had to write. Let me start with a question. Do you know how when watching a movie or reading a book you know something bad is going to happen to the main character, and there is that feeling of fear in the gut that just does not go away? That is what this book made me feel.

From reading the synopsis that I knew going in that this book would have that feeling to it. I knew that there would be parts that I did not want to read. in fact several times I had to put the book down and walk away. That being said, the story is fascinating, one that I am so glad that I read. I know about our history here in the states dealing with this subject matter, and I know that it also occurred in the rest of the world, but never thought about it.

For me the hardest part of the book other than the feeling it gave me was learning the names of the people. Igbo names are not common to me and it took a few chapters to get them set in my head. I am sure that I am still mispronouncing them when I read them. The book has a very slow pace, and for this subject matter that is a wonderful thing.

The book also makes me wonder how many other stories out there are waiting to be told. Dr. Achebe has told me that there is another book in the works. Now, I just have to find out when it comes out so I can finnish reading this story of a most fascinating woman. In my reviews I try not to give away anything about the book as I do not want to spoil it for other readers. This is a book I want someone to read so we can talk about it.

[Kiru Taye · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say I'm not a big fan of stories set in the transatlantic slave trade era. You can blame it on watching too many episodes of Roots when I was younger.
However, in this book I like the way the author blended historical fiction with contemporary. I was swept away to another time and place, watching the characters lives unfold moment by moment. I loved the descriptive style of writing. And also the use of Igbo proverbs. The story felt authentic. It reminded me of many cultural aspects of the Igbo people that I'd forgotten while teaching me new ones.

I liked Onaedo. She is strong and bold albeit naive.

My least favourite character was Oguebie whom I thought was greedy, ambitious and ruthless. This is unfortunately a trait that exists in too many people.

VRC Rating - B. I thought it was a very good read.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good and interesting story. Ok but not great writing.