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Under the Udala Trees

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2015

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Book Brief

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Chinelo Okparanta

Under the Udala Trees

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2015
Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Nigeria • 1960s

Publication Year

2015

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Under the Udala Trees by Chinelo Okparanta, set during and after the Nigerian Civil War, follows young Ijeoma as she navigates her identity and sexuality amid societal and familial pressure. Following her father’s death, Ijeoma lives with a teacher, falls in love with another girl, and faces significant challenges due to her sexual orientation and cultural expectations. The novel tactfully explores themes of love, identity, and resilience through the lens of Nigerian folklore and historical events. The book addresses intense homophobia and its consequences.

Contemplative

Challenging

Melancholic

Bittersweet

Inspirational

Reviews & Readership

4.2

15,102 ratings

77%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Under the Udala Trees by Chinelo Okparanta is praised for its evocative prose and powerful depiction of LGBTQ+ themes in a conservative Nigerian setting. The protagonist's journey is both compelling and heart-wrenching. Some critics feel the novel's pace lags at points, but overall it is a poignant exploration of identity and resilience.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Under the Udala Trees?

Readers who will enjoy Under the Udala Trees by Chinelo Okparanta are typically fans of heartfelt narratives exploring LGBTQ+ identities, cultural conflict, and personal resilience, akin to those who appreciate Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy.

4.2

15,102 ratings

77%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Character List

Ijeoma

The protagonist and narrator, Ijeoma is an Igbo girl growing up in a Christian household in post-civil war Nigeria. Her journey is marked by her exploration of her sexuality in a society that condemns same-sex relationships.

Ijeoma's mother who initially disapproves of her daughter's sexuality using religious texts but evolves in her understanding and acceptance over time. She plays a significant role in shaping Ijeoma's choices.

Ijeoma's childhood friend who becomes her husband, embodying traditional male roles and expectations in their cultural setting. He struggles with their marriage due to Ijeoma’s true feelings and identity.

Ijeoma's first love, a Hausa Muslim girl whose relationship with Ijeoma begins in their youth. They face challenges due to their cultural and religious backgrounds and societal pressures.

Ijeoma's enduring love interest, who helps introduce her to underground LGBT spaces in Nigeria. Ndidi is characterized by her comparatively open expression of her lesbian identity.

Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Nigeria • 1960s

Publication Year

2015

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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