Florence Nwapa was a pioneering voice in African literature, renowned for recreating traditions and daily life from a distinctly female perspective. Her groundbreaking novel, Efuru, stands as one of the first English-language novels by an African woman to achieve international publication, marking a significant literary moment. Beyond her writing, Nwapa was also the first African woman to publish novels and actively championed the role of women in society. She is widely recognized as a foundational figure, often called the mother of modern African literature.
The narrative explores the deep longing for children and the profound impact they have on life. It delves into themes of hope, love, and the transformative power of parenthood, emphasizing that the desire for offspring is a universal aspiration that shapes human experience. The book reflects on the emotional and spiritual significance of having children, suggesting that they fulfill a fundamental yearning in life.
Exploring themes of African culture and spirituality, Flora Nwapa's final novel highlights the resilience and independence of women through the character of Ona/Ogbuide. The narrative illustrates how she embodies healing and inspiration amid the challenges of modern society and globalization. As foreign influences threaten to diminish her people's heritage, the lake goddess reemerges in her full glory, symbolizing hope and strength. Nwapa's poignant storytelling emphasizes the enduring power of tradition and the connection between past and present, even as she departs from the world.
The powerful and compelling story of one woman's struggle to find an independent and fulfilling life of her own. By Nigeria's first woman novelist.
'[T]he moving story of a group of Nigerian women, from their schooldays together through the trials and tribulations of their adult lives.' -- from back cover.