Let me start by saying this book is not for the faint of heart. If you’re looking for a light and fluffy read, well, keep on scrolling. But if you’re ready to be taken on an emotional journey like no other, buckle up and get ready for “The Middle Daughter” by the brilliant Chika Unigwe!
Let’s Get into the Blurb:
A lush, powerful tale of family and sisterhood from award-winning author Chika Unigwe, perfect for fans of Bernardine Evaristo and Tayari Jones
Udodi’s death was the beginning of the raging storm but at that moment, we thought that the worst had already happened, and that life would treat us with more kindness.
When seventeen-year-old Nani loses her older sister and then her father in quick succession, her world spins off its axis. Isolated and misunderstood by her grieving mother and sister, she’s drawn to an itinerant preacher, a handsome self-proclaimed man of God who offers her a new place to belong. All too soon, Nani finds herself estranged from her family, tethered to her abusive husband by children she loves but cannot fully comprehend. She must find the courage to break free and wrestle her life back—without losing what she loves most.
A modern reimagining of the myth of Hades and Persephone within a Nigerian family, The Middle Daughter charts Nani’s journey to freedom and homecoming.
My Take on the Middle Daughter:
First things first, don’t let the pretty cover fool you. This book is a masterclass in trauma that will make your heart ache in ways you never thought possible. It grabs you from the beginning and doesn’t let go until the very last page.
Now, let’s talk about Ephraim. The moment this guy stepped onto the scene, I knew trouble was brewing. His preaching and meddling gave me the creeps, and I found myself shouting at Nani for letting him into her life. But that’s the beauty of this book – it evokes such strong emotions that you can’t help but get invested in the characters’ choices.
The anticipation of the impending disaster throughout the story is nerve-wracking. You’ll want to put the book down, but trust me, you won’t be able to. It’s like a train wreck you can’t look away from. And when it finally happens, it’s not a shock, but rather a sickening feeling of disappointment mixed with a pinch of “I knew it!” Unigwe knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat.
How about Nani’s decision to marry her abuser. Yes, you’ll want to throw the book across the room. You’ll question her choices and wonder why she didn’t just run for the hills. But here’s the thing – this book delves into the complexities of abuse and the entangled emotions that keep victims in toxic relationships. It’s uncomfortable, it’s infuriating, but it’s a raw portrayal of reality that will make your skin crawl.
The Family in the
And oh, Ugo and their mother! Their behavior might make you want to scream. Their decision to turn a blind eye to Nani’s suffering is frustrating beyond belief. You’ll wonder how they could suppress their feelings instead of fighting for their loved one. But in this story, love is messy and imperfect, and Unigwe challenges our notions of familial dynamics.
But fear not, my fellow readers, for amidst the darkness, there is hope. Nani’s journey to freedom and homecoming is a testament to resilience and the human spirit. It’s a reminder that even in the bleakest of times, there’s always a glimmer of light waiting to guide us back home.
“The Middle Daughter” is a heavy read, but trust me when I say it’s worth every single page. Chika Unigwe’s writing is a force to be reckoned with. She weaves a narrative that will haunt you, challenge you, and ultimately leave you grateful for the triumphs that come from the darkest corners of life.
So, grab a box of tissues, prepare your heart for a wild ride. Immerse yourself in the brilliance of “The Middle Daughter.” Chika Unigwe will leave an indelible mark on your soul with this poignant and beautifully written tale.
