Book Review: Tomorrow I Become A Woman by Aiwanose Odafen
Tomorrow I become a woman tells a story about the many ways the society gaslights women such that there is always a next step that secures you a “worthy position” as a woman using culture, religion, and marriage.
This was a perfectly well written book and I can imagine the emotions — frustrated, resigned, angry, and exhausted — the writer must have felt while writing. I liked how the account of the main character’s life was in sync to Nigeria’s history.
I like how multifaceted the relationships were: the friendship between Uju, Chinelo and Ada which was heavy on them being gatekeepers of patriarchy while also having many questions of why things were the way they were; the unspoken relationship between Uju and Akin which had me holding my breath for when they are discovered while also holding a candle for their love; the dick riding between Gozie and the men he looks up to; the relationship between Uju and her brothers; the different relationship between Uju and her mother, Uju and her father…
It is very straightforward and easy to read; and as heavy and frustrating as reading this book got, there were funny moments.
I love how the author did not attempt to metaphorize (TW) the physical abuse the female. characters went through.
If you enjoyed reading Secret Lives Baba Segi’s Wives by Lola Shoneyin and Stay With Me by Ayobami Adebayo, you will love this book.
Here is a link to an excerpt of the book — published in Afreada.
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