49 pages • 1 hour read
The Joys of Motherhood
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Book Brief
272
Novel • Fiction
Lagos, Nigeria • 1930s
1979
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Joys of Motherhood by Buchi Emecheta follows Nnu Ego, a young woman in Lagos, Nigeria, navigating the struggles of motherhood in a patriarchal society. After failing to conceive in her first marriage, she is sent to Lagos, eventually bearing several children and redefining her role in the community while enduring societal pressures and personal hardships. The novel contains topics related to sexual assault and grief.
Melancholic
Challenging
Emotional
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
8,023 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Joys of Motherhood by Buchi Emecheta is a poignant exploration of women's roles, combining cultural and feminist critiques. Reviewers laud Emecheta's nuanced portrayal of Nigerian society and empathy for her characters. Some critique its melancholic tone and perceived lack of resolution but acknowledge its powerful commentary on tradition and modernity.
Who Should Read The Joys of Motherhood?
Readers who appreciate nuanced explorations of womanhood, colonization, and cultural shifts will find The Joys of Motherhood by Buchi Emecheta compelling. Fans of Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe or The Color Purple by Alice Walker will connect with its rich, evocative storytelling and thematically similar experiences.
8,023 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
272
Novel • Fiction
Lagos, Nigeria • 1930s
1979
Adult
18+ years
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