Book set in Lagos, Nigeria. Reviewed on 2020/09: https://www.instagram.com/p/CFKdyJ5AAcH/
#jaguanana is a larger than life kind of character. You can hate her or love her. Either way, you will not remain indifferent to her story and contradictions while reading this book. #cyprianekwensi obviously had a bias toward women and especially an image of prostitutes in the #lagos #nigeria of the 1950s/1960s. However, I felt as if #jagua herself rebelled at times against everyone’s opinions and judgements over her life and choices, including the writer himself. Sometimes, #ekwensi had no control whatsoever over Jagua and her story. Other times, the story felt repetitive. Is this Ekwensi trying to prove a point and coerce her? Regardless, you will have a compelling reaction to Jagua which will carry you through the story. Another important element here is the city of Lagos: its smells, noise, movements, life in general. The city is at the center of the book, even when Jagua visits other parts of the country. At times, a difficult, uncomfortable and challenging read which will not leave you indifferent. #recommended #onitsha #africanwritersseries #nigerianliterature #heinemann #yoruba #lagosian #bagana #krinameh #portharcourt
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