UNDER THE UDALA TREES
by Chinelo Okparanta
There is certainly something about a Nigerian upbringing, and the journey to ex-pat life in America, that is causing so many young women to write some of the best novels of the last few years. I don't want to flippantly say “it must be something in the water,” because obviously part of that “something” is the political and social oppression and uncertainty of a country divided by a recent civil war and ongoing ethnic tensions and government corruption. But whatever is inspiring the writers and fueling their novels, I am grateful for each and every one that has come into my life. (read reviews of other books by Nigerian-American authors here).
Under the Udala Trees brings to life a young girl's perspective on the incredible story of the 1970s Nigerian civil war from the Biafran side. After the death of her father, Ijeoma’s mother sends her away to live as a house girl in a safer town. There she meets Amina and they fall in love. When they are discovered naked together, both are subjected to bible-based “training." But, Ijeoma has already begun to question her mother’s literal interpretation of the bible, as well as the idea that a woman needs a man.
Ijeoma's story continues jumping through time in beautiful vignettes during her school years, where Amina appears and disappears. In adulthood, Ijeoma struggles with what feels right and what her community insists is right for her.
With this poetic coming-of-age novel, Okparanta brings to life the very real struggle of LGBTQ people in Nigeria who are still faced with up to 14 years in prison, or in some places death by stoning, if their identities are discovered. I highly recommend it, and am thrilled to have a new author to follow in the Fabulous Nigerian Women category. (Lily)
