Helpful Score: 2
The Joys of Motherhood is the searing story of Nnu Ego, a strong, optimistic Nigerian woman and mother, who struglles with the many dramatic changes in her life. We see her place all her hopes and dreams in her many children, thus beginning a poignant journey in her soul; which takes her through seemingly glorious hope, yet leaves her with crushing disillusionment. It is also the story of Nigeria- a country destabilized by colonialism, WOrld War II, and the overall encroachment of the modern WEstern world on the traditional African one.
An ironic tale of a woman who lives and dies believing that bearing sons will be her sole happiness and that doing so will make her a woman.
I've nearly finished and it has been one of my favorites of the 50+ books I've read this year.
