Efuru

In the novel "Efuru," by Flora Nwapa, a young wife struggles to break free from the traditions of Igbo society and find her own independence. The story follows Efuru as she is chosen as a worshipper for the powerful lake goddess, Uhamiri, and explores the female experience in post-independent Nigeria, including pregnancy, prophesy, female circumcision, and polygamy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 01 November 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

In the captivating novel "Efuru," pioneering author Flora Nwapa delves into the poignant tale of a young wife striving to assert her independence against the deeply entrenched traditional beliefs of Igbo society. From a young age, Efuru has been celebrated for her unparalleled beauty, intellect, and noble lineage, making her family's dismay all the more profound when they learn of her betrothal to an ordinary villager. Despite her unwavering devotion to him, Efuru soon begins to realize that love, in the face of centuries of superstition and tradition, holds little sway. Her sole respite comes in the enigmatic and vivid dreams that haunt her nights, depicting an ethereal woman seated at the bottom of a lake, captivating Efuru with her mesmerizing beauty and abundant treasures.

However, when a village sage reveals Efuru's selection as a worshipper for the powerful lake goddess, Uhamiri, it appears that she may finally find purpose and fulfillment beyond her marriage. Yet, even under the divine gaze, Efuru faces relentless pressures from a community that values her womb above all else. From the intricacies of pregnancy to the complexities of prophecy, female circumcision to the challenges of polygamy, Efuru embarks on a profound journey that delves into the very essence of the female experience in post-independent Nigeria. Flora Nwapa's writing, characterized by its clear and profound depth, has cemented "Efuru" as an instant literary classic, resonating with readers worldwide.

It is worth noting that the influence of Chinua Achebe and Flora Nwapa on the author's own writing cannot be overstated. Their groundbreaking works, penned during a pivotal period in Nigerian history, provided the emotional courage and inspiration necessary for the author to embark on their own literary journey. The profound insights and powerful narratives of these authors continue to resonate, shaping the literary landscape and inspiring generations of writers to come.

Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781035900534