Review of My African Woman.

Shirley Ann Riddern Labzentis · 07 Oct 2024, 21:35

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "My African Woman." by Dr. Adeleke Eniola Oyenusi.]

4 out of 5 stars

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My African Woman by Adeleke Eniola Oyenusi is a story that is set between two countries, Nigeria and England. There aren't two countries that are so vastly different in cultures than Nigeria and England. Well, the United States and Nigeria, too. The story revolves around Equnbiyi, a curious young man living in Nigeria with his family. He was groomed to be a traditional worshipper and was encouraged to follow in his father's footsteps. He practiced his incantations every day, trying to learn them by heart. One day, a white priest came to preach in the Anglican Church. He was the only white man most of the village had ever seen. Biyi and Father Morgan soon became friends, and Father Morgan persuaded Biyi's father to let him go to school. Biyi finally started school at the age of ten. Biyi went to school with the daughter of his father's best friend. Her name was Comfort, and soon, Biyi and Comfort became inseparable. After they grew up, they got married, and Comfort soon got pregnant and had a baby boy.

After ten years of service, Father Morgan was transferred to London. He arranged for Biyi to receive a scholarship in London, a move that would take Biyi away from his wife and son and thrust him into a culture vastly different from his own. The shock of this new environment, both in terms of lifestyle and people, was a significant challenge for Biyi.

Being born and raised in the United States, I could not imagine the kinds of food that they ate in Nigeria. They ate things like water yam pottage, cocoyam, Egusi sauce made of ground melon seeds, grilled bush rat, grilled squirrel, etc. These foods are not just about sustenance, but they also reflect the resourcefulness and adaptability of the people in the face of poverty. It is whatever you can find to eat when resources are unavailable. People make do with what they have. I also was astounded by the treatment of women in Nigeria. They are second-class citizens and are not allowed into certain buildings or areas. They also must bow before their husbands.

The only thing I found a little disappointing about the book was the author's writing, which was slow to read. He wrote in a straightforward way that you could understand, but it was a little slow-paced. This may be because English is the author's second language. Otherwise, the book was pleasant to read. The characters were well-defined and well-developed. There were some twists and turns and a surprising ending, but you will have to pick up the book to find out. The book was well-edited, as I only found a few things that needed to be corrected.

All in all, I found the book very enjoyable, and so I will give it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. If you are interested in how people in Nigeria live, this book is for you. The language was very clean, with no profanity, and the sex was not descriptive.

******
My African Woman.
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Gerry Steen · Post by **Gerry Steen** » 09 Oct 2024, 21:10

Shirley Ann Riddern Labzentis wrote: ↑07 Oct 2024, 21:35 [Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "My African Woman." by Dr. Adeleke Eniola Oyenusi.]

4 out of 5 stars
Share This Review

My African Woman by Adeleke Eniola Oyenusi is a story that is set between two countries, Nigeria and England. There aren't two countries that are so vastly different in cultures than Nigeria and England. Well, the United States and Nigeria, too. The story revolves around Equnbiyi, a curious young man living in Nigeria with his family. He was groomed to be a traditional worshipper and was encouraged to follow in his father's footsteps. He practiced his incantations every day, trying to learn them by heart. One day, a white priest came to preach in the Anglican Church. He was the only white man most of the village had ever seen. Biyi and Father Morgan soon became friends, and Father Morgan persuaded Biyi's father to let him go to school. Biyi finally started school at the age of ten. Biyi went to school with the daughter of his father's best friend. Her name was Comfort, and soon, Biyi and Comfort became inseparable. After they grew up, they got married, and Comfort soon got pregnant and had a baby boy.

After ten years of service, Father Morgan was transferred to London. He arranged for Biyi to receive a scholarship in London, a move that would take Biyi away from his wife and son and thrust him into a culture vastly different from his own. The shock of this new environment, both in terms of lifestyle and people, was a significant challenge for Biyi.

Being born and raised in the United States, I could not imagine the kinds of food that they ate in Nigeria. They ate things like water yam pottage, cocoyam, Egusi sauce made of ground melon seeds, grilled bush rat, grilled squirrel, etc. These foods are not just about sustenance, but they also reflect the resourcefulness and adaptability of the people in the face of poverty. It is whatever you can find to eat when resources are unavailable. People make do with what they have. I also was astounded by the treatment of women in Nigeria. They are second-class citizens and are not allowed into certain buildings or areas. They also must bow before their husbands.

The only thing I found a little disappointing about the book was the author's writing, which was slow to read. He wrote in a straightforward way that you could understand, but it was a little slow-paced. This may be because English is the author's second language. Otherwise, the book was pleasant to read. The characters were well-defined and well-developed. There were some twists and turns and a surprising ending, but you will have to pick up the book to find out. The book was well-edited, as I only found a few things that needed to be corrected.

All in all, I found the book very enjoyable, and so I will give it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. If you are interested in how people in Nigeria live, this book is for you. The language was very clean, with no profanity, and the sex was not descriptive.

******
My African Woman.
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

The cover of this book is beautiful! If the woman is the wife of the protagonist, the protagonist is a lucky man indeed! Nigeria is an interesting country. The foods are different from what we eat. There is a lot of poverty. I hope that the protagonist was able to modernize and give his wife first-class status. Thank you for this concise review.

Qwerty Writes · Post by **Qwerty Writes** » 10 Oct 2024, 02:19

As someone who lives in Africa, I understand the cultural differences and it doesn't seem all that shocking to me. English is my first language but not for everyone. I think Nigeria's culture is interesting and is definitely going to be one of the places I visit in the future. I'll save this book for later!
It was a very calm and thought-inspiring read. Keep up the good work, Miss Shirley!

Post by **Mona Alves** » 13 Oct 2024, 07:56

That's a nice review, I'm interested in the dynamic between the white priest, the Nigerian citizens and their relationship to England, feels like a lot of interesting thoughts to be had about colonization and culture.

Anaïs Quesson · Post by **Anaïs Quesson** » 13 Oct 2024, 09:48

Beautiful review, Shirley Ann. I have recently read a book set in Nigeria, it has opened my eyes to this culture. I am very interested in 'My African Woman'. I'm especially curious about the dynamics between the protagonists and the white priest. I hope I can learn even more about Nigerian culture!

Post by **Julie Marie Basil** » 13 Oct 2024, 21:57

I enjoy reading books that allow me to learn about another culture without directly studying that culture, and it seems that this one was a pretty good story despite the slow pace. Thanks for a great review!

Post by **Sarah Zain** » 14 Oct 2024, 03:00

There is such a radical difference in civilization and culture between England and Nigeria that I can't imagine the transfer to the protagonist. The cover is amazing, the woman is very beautiful. Great review

Post by **Priya Murugesan** » 14 Oct 2024, 22:31

Your review made me want to know more about Nigeria and its culture. Would pick up this book if I get a chance.

Post by **Stephen Christopher 1** » 15 Oct 2024, 00:47

This book sounds like a wonderful opportunity to learn about Nigerian culture. From what you mentioned it seems vastly different for those of us raised in Western countries. I'm curious enough to add this to my reading list.

Blueberry Dragon · Post by **Blueberry Dragon** » 15 Oct 2024, 05:17

I've been wanting to read about Nigerian culture and have heard that there are many acclaimed Nigerian writers whose books are available in English. It's good to know another one. I loved the cover, too! Thanks for the review, @Shirley Ann Riddern Labzentis.

Adrian Bouknight · Post by **Adrian Bouknight** » 15 Oct 2024, 19:29

Thank you for sharing this review! I tend to find world culture and interesting and enjoyable topic! I'll keep an eye out for this one!

Thank you for your detailed review!
-Adrian

RJ Reviews · Post by **RJ Reviews** » 15 Oct 2024, 22:59

Cultural shock is a real thing and I can imagine Biyi's bewilderment very well. This sounds like a heartfelt story of one man's struggles and life choices. Glad to know that the book showcases the Nigerian culture to the world. It is fascinating. I really appreciate your honest and detailed review. Thank you.

Yasmine ZM · Post by **Yasmine ZM** » 07 Apr 2025, 05:42

This book is the story of a young African boy. He has an interesting life journey in both Nigeria and England. I think the story captures well the challenges people go through when they emigrate to a different country. There is not only the culture shock, but also the separation with the loved ones. All of this is done in pursuit of happiness and a chance at better opportunities. Although the pace is slow, this book seems very interesting. I am adding it to my shelves; thanks for your insightful review.