44 pages • 1 hour read
Second Class Citizen
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Book Brief
174
Novel • Fiction
London, England • 1960s
1974
Adult
16-18 years
870L
Super Short Summary
Second Class Citizen by Buchi Emecheta follows Adah's journey from Nigeria to England, detailing her struggles for education, marriage to Francis, and experiences as a mother in a foreign land while dealing with issues of race, class, and gender discrimination. Adah consistently redefines her role to achieve her goals, facing domestic violence and systemic discrimination along the way.
Challenging
Inspirational
Contemplative
Emotional
Gritty
Reviews & Readership
4,348 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Emecheta's Second Class Citizen is praised for its raw and powerful portrayal of a Nigerian woman's resilience in post-colonial London. Readers appreciate its autobiographical depth and cultural insights, but some feel the narrative occasionally struggles with pacing. The novel stands out for addressing themes of identity, gender, and immigrant struggles effectively, though it can be intense and heavy.
Who Should Read Second Class Citizen?
Readers who find inspiration in stories of resilience and self-determination will enjoy Second Class Citizen by Buchi Emecheta. It's perfect for fans of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou and Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi, offering a powerful exploration of identity, womanhood, and cultural clash.
4,348 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
174
Novel • Fiction
London, England • 1960s
1974
Adult
16-18 years
870L
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