Author: Omolola Ijeoma Ogunyemi (narrated by Liz Fami and Korey Jackson)
Year published: 2022
Category: Adult fiction
Pages: 256 pages
Rating: 4 out of 5
Location: (my 2024 Google Reading map): Nigeria and the US (NY)
Summary: Moving between Nigeria and America, Jollof Rice and Other Revolutions is a window into the world of accomplished Nigerian women, illuminating the challenges they face and the risks they take to control their destinies.
Students at an all-girls boarding school, Nonso, Remi, Aisha, and Solape forge an unbreakable sisterhood that is tempered during a school rebellion, an uprising with repercussions that will forever reverberate through their lives. The children of well-to-do families, these young women have been raised with a thirst for independence, believing a university education is their right—a legacy of ambition and hope inherited from their foremothers.
Leaving school and adolescence behind, the women grapple with the unexpected possibilities—and limitations—of adulthood and the uncertainties of the world within and outside of Nigeria. A trip to Ghana opens Nonso’s eyes to the lasting impact of the transatlantic slave trade, she falls in love with an African American, and makes a new home in the United States. Remi meets Segun, a dynamic man of Nigerian descent from Yonkers whose own traumatic struggles and support gives her the strength to confront painful family wounds. Aisha’s overwhelming sense of guilt haunts her, influencing career and relationship decisions until she sees a chance to save her son’s life and, through her sacrifice, redefine her own.
Review: Sue at Book by Book recommended this one and I am glad she did. I would never have found this book without her prodding.
This novel weaves four women as their lives move and progress in various parts and take on good and bad with family, work, and life. It really is a study on attitude, opportunity, culture, family, friendship, and what we do when confronted with life.
I found each of the stories entertaining and attention grabbing. I was surprised when the narrator changed part way through from a female voice to a male voice though it fit which character was telling their story. And then the female did another part in an American accent when it was relevant. So well done.
I didn't do this novel justice, listening to it in small bits and spurts, I think it's one where I would do better listening for longer periods of time to really absorb the flow and connections between all the characters. I liked it overall and wish I could have given it deeper attention.
Challenges for which this counts:
- Alphabet (Author)--O
- Alphabet (Title )--J
- Literary Escapes--Nigeria
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