Review of Another Poor Cow
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[Valerie Allen]
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Review of Another Poor Cow
[Following is a volunteer review of "Another Poor Cow" by Martins Agbonlahor.]
There are moments when a reader decides right away this book is excellent! Another Poor Cow by African Journalist Martins Agbonlahor is indeed that one. It is a devastating fictional story about a beautiful and energetic Nigerian girl, Onaiwu, whose journey begins at nine years old. Onaiwu is also the only surviving child born to Ivie and Ihama. They reside in a small, poverty-stricken village of Alalo, Nigeria. Onaiwu, translated as "enough with the death," is seemingly caught between the strange powers of redemption and destruction. Then she naively awaits and prepares for a warp exorcism.
Soon after that, as planned since birth, at twelve years old, Onaiwu is sold off into marriage to the elderly rich polygamist, Chief Osaheni. Osaheni is as old as Onaiwu's father, already married to multiple wives with several children. Nevertheless, he falls deeply in love with Onaiwu, and the very foundation of his entire household is shaken with jealousy. As a result, led by Osaheni's envious first wife, Iyima, the damaging chain effects that follow after that are mind-blowing! Onaiwu then bumps into the evil Dr. James. In an instant, her life shifts and takes a dreadful turn.
Although incredibly heart-wrenching, I like this book because the author sheds light on Nigeria's unfortunate and existing child endangerment, human trafficking, and prostitution issues. Thank goodness, a Nigerian named Macpherson advocates for teenagers, other types of abuses and spoke against the injustice of early child marriage and unfair criminal court cases. I agree with his take on how he adamantly does not like the country's principles about teenage girls' marrying at an early age instead of allowing them the honored fundamental rights to be educated. Overall, I, too, like how the book reeled me in and read it over two days.
I have no taste, however, for the culture's customs regarding the sorceress, Prophetess Esohe. What she does in Occultism to Onaiwu regarding her so-called freedom is not holy. And selling young girls into marriage to profit from them instead of providing a normal childhood feels immorally wrong. No parents should be proud to compel their children to marry underage that carries unbelievable consequences. Every child should have the right to enjoy being a kid. Furthermore, I cannot stomach the likeness of the sinister Dr. James Akwangiri at the fake University of Lagos!
In contrast, I respect Ivie's decision to permit Onaiwu the option to return home if her reprehensible marriage fails. But is it too late for her, and at what cost? Though I wouldn't say, I like, despite Macpherson's tremendous efforts, he is falsely accused and criminally charged.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars because it is an easy and fast-paced read. The title provides a strong indication of what the story regards. Meaning, Another Poor Cow is not far from another impoverished Nigerian daughter taken away and treated like another meaningless statistic. I recommend this book to readers interested in reading an intriguing Nigerian tale—those drawn to learning Nigeria's native language and dialect and women's rights. And several of their worst social and political stigmas. Good Job to Martins Agbonlahor for writing and publishing a great book!
******
Another Poor Cow
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
There are moments when a reader decides right away this book is excellent! Another Poor Cow by African Journalist Martins Agbonlahor is indeed that one. It is a devastating fictional story about a beautiful and energetic Nigerian girl, Onaiwu, whose journey begins at nine years old. Onaiwu is also the only surviving child born to Ivie and Ihama. They reside in a small, poverty-stricken village of Alalo, Nigeria. Onaiwu, translated as "enough with the death," is seemingly caught between the strange powers of redemption and destruction. Then she naively awaits and prepares for a warp exorcism.
Soon after that, as planned since birth, at twelve years old, Onaiwu is sold off into marriage to the elderly rich polygamist, Chief Osaheni. Osaheni is as old as Onaiwu's father, already married to multiple wives with several children. Nevertheless, he falls deeply in love with Onaiwu, and the very foundation of his entire household is shaken with jealousy. As a result, led by Osaheni's envious first wife, Iyima, the damaging chain effects that follow after that are mind-blowing! Onaiwu then bumps into the evil Dr. James. In an instant, her life shifts and takes a dreadful turn.
Although incredibly heart-wrenching, I like this book because the author sheds light on Nigeria's unfortunate and existing child endangerment, human trafficking, and prostitution issues. Thank goodness, a Nigerian named Macpherson advocates for teenagers, other types of abuses and spoke against the injustice of early child marriage and unfair criminal court cases. I agree with his take on how he adamantly does not like the country's principles about teenage girls' marrying at an early age instead of allowing them the honored fundamental rights to be educated. Overall, I, too, like how the book reeled me in and read it over two days.
I have no taste, however, for the culture's customs regarding the sorceress, Prophetess Esohe. What she does in Occultism to Onaiwu regarding her so-called freedom is not holy. And selling young girls into marriage to profit from them instead of providing a normal childhood feels immorally wrong. No parents should be proud to compel their children to marry underage that carries unbelievable consequences. Every child should have the right to enjoy being a kid. Furthermore, I cannot stomach the likeness of the sinister Dr. James Akwangiri at the fake University of Lagos!
In contrast, I respect Ivie's decision to permit Onaiwu the option to return home if her reprehensible marriage fails. But is it too late for her, and at what cost? Though I wouldn't say, I like, despite Macpherson's tremendous efforts, he is falsely accused and criminally charged.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars because it is an easy and fast-paced read. The title provides a strong indication of what the story regards. Meaning, Another Poor Cow is not far from another impoverished Nigerian daughter taken away and treated like another meaningless statistic. I recommend this book to readers interested in reading an intriguing Nigerian tale—those drawn to learning Nigeria's native language and dialect and women's rights. And several of their worst social and political stigmas. Good Job to Martins Agbonlahor for writing and publishing a great book!
******
Another Poor Cow
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. (Revelation 20:12 (NKJV) 
Latest Review: Utopia Project by Billy Dering
