No matter what Google Calander says, February will always be Black History Month, and I will keep talking about it until the bitter end. As I have stated repeatedly, one of the best ways to better understand other cultures, identities, and traditions is through the wonderous worlds of literature. Whether it be fictional or factual, listening to marginalized voices can teach you so much about their experiences. Therefore, I bring you yet another book review, and today, I’ll be sharing Chinelo Okparanta’s fabulous “Under the Udala Trees.”
About the Book:
Chinelo Okparanta is a Nigerian-American writer known for her evocative storytelling and focus on themes of identity, gender, and queer experiences. Born and raised in Nigeria before moving to the United States, Okparanta’s writing is deeply influenced by her cultural background, exploring the intersections of personal identity and societal expectations. Her debut novel, “Under the Udala Trees”, was published in 2015 to critical acclaim, praised for its lyrical prose and bold exploration of queer identity in a conservative society.
The novel follows Ijeoma, a young girl growing up in Nigeria during the Biafran War. When violence forces her to separate from her mother, she is sent away for safety and soon meets Amina, another displaced girl. Their friendship blossoms into a romantic relationship, but in a deeply religious and conservative society, their love is not accepted. After their relationship is discovered, Ijeoma is forced to endure religious indoctrination and attempts to “correct” her sexuality, highlighting the intersection of cultural norms, faith, and personal freedom. As she grows older, Ijeoma struggles to reconcile her love for women with the societal and familial expectations placed upon her. She eventually marries a man, attempting to conform, but the inner conflict remains. The novel follows her journey of self-acceptance, the sacrifices she makes, and the courage it takes to embrace her true self despite the societal pressures against her.
Review of the Book:
I adored Okparanta’s beautifully poetic writing style, which brings Ijeoma’s painful story to life. The prose is simple yet powerful, allowing readers to deeply connect with Ijeoma’s struggles. Through her perspective, the novel vividly portrays the difficulties faced by queer individuals in deeply religious and traditional societies, where being true to oneself can mean facing rejection or even violence. The historical setting of the Biafran War adds another layer of depth to the story, emphasizing themes of survival, displacement, and resilience. The war-torn Nigeria of the 1960s is painted with rich detail, making it not just a backdrop but an integral part of Ijeoma’s personal struggles. The use of Igbo proverbs and storytelling traditions adds authenticity and cultural richness to the narrative.
While I absolutely love this book overall, I will admit it is quite the commitment. It is a long book, stuffed with so much content, and while this did make the story feel more real and personal, it also dragged at parts. Especially in the latter half of the story, it feels like so little happens for quite some time, and then suddenly everything is happening at once. At first, I felt a little dissatisfied with the ending; I won’t delve too into detail, but there was great uncertainty in the final moments of the novel. however, looking back I feel more fondly of the ending because this open-endedness reflects the reality of queer struggles in many parts of the world.
Overall, I still highly recommend this book for anyone interested in queer literature, African history, or stories of personal resilience. It is a deeply moving and important novel that sheds light on the intersection of love, faith, and identity in a society where queerness is often silenced. Chinelo Okparanta masterfully weaves historical fiction with personal storytelling, creating a narrative that is both heart-wrenching and hopeful. While it does not offer easy answers, it does offer a powerful exploration of what it means to live authentically, even in the face of immense adversity; and with the current climate of the world, I feel it is a must-read.
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