Harare Review of Books

216 pages.

First published in 1966. Set in Nigeria.

Finished reading on 9 Jan 2021.

Genre: Fiction

Ihuoma, a beautiful young widow, has the admiration of the entire community in which she lives, and especially of the hunter Ekwueme. But their passion is fated and jealousy, a love potion and the closeness of the spirit world are important factors.

Just finished reading this masterpiece set in pre-colonial Africa. I was exasperated throughout by references to the way women were treated at the time (huffed a lot over wife beatings); but ultimately this is such a wonderful read, very engrossing, and the humour is wonderful. Highly recommended.

Rated: 9/10