49 pages 1 hour read

Buchi Emecheta

The Joys of Motherhood

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1979

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Before You Read

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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.

Reviews & Readership

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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 this

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.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

African Literature

Historical Fiction

African American Literature

Topics

Gender / Feminism

Women's Studies (Nonfiction)

Themes

Identity: Gender

Relationships: Daughters & Sons

Society: Colonialism