In what ways was the book’s Nigerian setting reflected in the story? What might have been different if it had been set in the United States or the UK?
Incorporating languages and dialects was the most noticeable in terms of Nigerian elements. For the first portion of the book, the setting actually felt to me like it could easily shift between Chicago or London or any other big city. It wasn’t until a location was outright named that I knew the setting was Nigeria.
Vocabulary, descriptions and dialects reflected the setting. Men leaving second and third mistresses in the lurch and pregnant was suggested to be commonplace. Then again, that could and does happen in all countries.
I think the Nigerian setting was shown through the settings, language, and any cultural references. It was especially shown by there wide belief in Mama G and her potions, etc. The curse seemed to be easily accepted, which I don’t think would have been easily done in the US.I think women would here would have been more independent and had more confidence in their own devices and not been so shaped by a so-called curse.
4 Likes
Probably the curse’s power wouldn’t have been as believable if set in the U.S. - especially in the case of Eniiyi who was educated. But then again, maybe not. People certainly believe strange things here too and are very capable of self sabotage.
I agree with the language and cultural references.
I know this comment will be controversial, but I don’t mean it to sound racist at all. It was very refreshing that this story was all about the Nigerian family, their beliefs, their values, their ancestors, and their customs and way of life. Not once was any of their tribulations blamed on how the whites wronged them, or “White priviledge” was not mentioned. It made me love the story even more. It made me appreciate the story even more because it was like a breath of fresh air to just read a good story.
I don’t think the belief in a curse would have found footing in the US. Depression/suicide yes, reincarnation, curses, potions, etc., no. Women in the US are too self-assured to allow such notions to rule their lives. I think there some small pockets of people who might believe such things, but for the most part, logic and reason prevail.
I agree, it was nice to have a break from the whole race issue in a novel. The families were able to function within their belief systems with no mention of outside pressure to conform.
I think most people in the US or UK would not have believed in the curse and would not have used Mama G or another to acquire potions and cures.
Culturally, the language, their customs, their dress, their food - all reflected life in Nigeria, which was refreshing to read about. And the fact that they so easily believed in curses and potions; this wouldn’t have happened so easily in the US.
1 Like
I think the book would not have worked in the United States and while it was difficult to follow the language of Nigeria I did learn about the culture of the country.
The book wouldn’t have worked in the US because African Americans don’t have 6-9 generations of roots in the same location. Slavery split up families and you also had the great migration from the south to the north. Even for whites in America there is more mobility unless we are speaking of rural pockets of poverty where no one ever leaves. As far as superstition it survives today in spite of class and education but is probably more relegated to the background. I think there would be more of an effort to overcome the curse,
The consultation of Mama G and the men’s “need” for children were the things that stood out to me.
I liked learning something about modern day Nigeria. As a reader, the modern was familiar and the traditional was new to me. While the exact story might not translate to the US and UK, every group, clan and family have their own histories, prejudices and relationships. Every culture has “curses.” There are spells, voodoo, exorcisms, confessions and all sorts of rites to rid people of “demons.” The interpersonal relationships between mother and daughter and men and women are a part of all cultures. We certainly are tribal. The themes of the novel are certainly universal.
I don’t think the story would be effective if set in the U.S. or U.K. The locale, language, customs (mentions of food, for instance), & beliefs were essential to the story. I loved learning a bit about a place I have never visited!