The Joys Of Motherhood; Book Review

in #writing6 years ago

Title- The Joys of Motherhood
Author- Buchi Emecheta
Publisher- Heinemann
Genre- Fiction/Women's Literature

Introduction.
The late Buchi Emecheta, a Lagos born Nigerian spun a tale around a village girl named "Nnu Ego" whose children gave her life and ultimately, death. The story also bears a strong feminist message.

Plot Summary.
Nnu Ego is the love child of Chief Nwokocha Agbadi and his beautiful yet arrogant mistress, Ona.

"People said that Nwokocha Agbadi spent all his life on this earth courting his Ona".

Since her mother passed away during her birth, Nnu Ego is raised up in her father's compound in the village of Ibuza as his only daughter where she is surrounded by family, wealth and love.
Fair skinned, plump and beautiful, Nnu Ego was soon married off to Amatokwu, an Ibuza man for whom she fails to bear any children. Facing humiliation and shame, she is forced to return to her father's house where she is soon sent off to Lagos to be the wife of Naife Owulum, an Ibuza man working for an European couple.
In the decades to come, Nnu Ego learns to live with a man she doesn't love, carries 7 pregnancies, and experiences the joys and pains of motherhood!

MAJOR THEME
The 224 page novel sums up to one word "Motherhood".
Motherhood maketh a woman.

"A woman without child for her husband was a failed woman".

The dedication of the book reads simply

"To all Mothers"

The first chapter reads
"The Mother" and the last, "The canonised mother".

The author emphasized that motherhood was a slavery to the needs of one's child. Nnu Ego often meditated on this plight.

"I am a prisoner in my own flesh. Is it such an enviable position? The men make it look as if we must aspire for our children or die"

SUB THEMES.
1.Feminism.

"It would be really something for a woman to be able to earn some money monthly like a man...who made the laws that we should not hope in our daughters?Until we change all this, it is still a man's world which women will always help to build" Nnu Ego said looking into the distance.

After years of struggling to take care of her home on an inconsistent income from her husband, Nnu Ego admits that females should be empowered and perhaps earn a living. This is somewhat confusing because when asked about her own daughters, she says

"The most important thing is for them to get good husbands ".

Adaku, the second wife was the first to speak on and take action geared towards female empowerment. Her actions and decision to fend for herself and her children without the help of any man were perceived as 'Rebellion' by the people of Ibuza.

"I will spend the money I have in giving the girls a good start in life. I will see that they get enrolled in good schools....they will have to take their own chances in this world".

*2. Colonialism.
"Dr Meers peered over the paper, smiled mischievously and answered 'Goodnight Baboon".

The book is set in the colonial era when the white man still ruled Nigeria.
The few easterners who came to Lagos usually found employment working as manual labourers such as washer men and cooks for the white man.
The book also reflects on the World War II. Naife was forcefully recruited to fight in the war against the Germans.

*3. Sex.

"He came deceptively gently and so unprepared was she for the passionate thrust which followed that she screamed".

Sex is an important aspect of human life and the author agrees with that. The only problem however, was that the men held the staff in that department. Their wives/mistress were obliged to answer to their every sexual whim. Nwokocha Agbadi, few days after escaping death, had loud sex with his mistress Ona, in the presence of his family members.

"Agbadi's senior wife, Agunwa, became ill that very night... A few had noticed that it was bad for her morale to hear her husband giving pleasure to another woman in the same courtyard where she slept".

*4. Marriage.

A man was respected when he "brought home a wife". He acquired more wives according to his wealth and family status. He also inherited his brothers wives in the event of the latter's death and was free to produce children with them.

"My senior wife cannot go to sleep. You must learn to accept your pleasures quietly, my new wife Adaku. Your senior wife is like a white lady; She does not want noise".

Intra-tribal marriage is the most popular form of marriage illustrated in the book. A plot twist however, is introduced when one of the daughters of Nnu Ego refuses the husband her father chose for her and insists instead on marrying from the 'Yoruba' tribe.

*5.Poverty.

What a tragedy this is! Arriving Lagos, Nnu Ego was welcomed into the world of poverty and leaving after 3 decades, she was bade farewell by this same monster. She almost lost her son Osiaju to malnutrition and once, goaded by Adaku, rebelled against her husband for not providing enough money for food.

'In any event, Nnu Ego had nothing to give Oshia but the Kpokpo garri from the day before... He had had enough of Kpokpo garri. He had had it yesterday and the day before that'.

*6. Tradition.
The book portrays a variety of rich eastern Nigerian traditions such as the consultation of one's "chi", polygamy, marriage ceremonies and rich burial traditions.
Personal Review.

I love this book. Read it three times and went over it a fourth while reviewing. Buchi Emecheta is blessed with the ability to tell a story simply! Short sentences, descriptive yet simple words with a fat slice of humor. My favorite excerpt from the book remains
He bought a piece of Kolanut which he chewed thoughtfully on the way, like a goat.
Rating
9/10
I must warn you; This book will break you, so don't be surprised if you find yourself over thinking, sniffing and producing little drops of water in your eyes. It is almost impossible to read this book without becoming overwhelmed with a deep feeling of pity for Nnu Ego. However, I would recommend it in a heartbeat because 'The joys of Motherhood' is Buchi Emecheta's timeless gift to the world; don't be left out!

Have you read the book? If yes, tell me your experience in the comment box below. If no, would you love to read it based on my review? Let me know in the comments below. Xoxo.

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