The Middle Daughter
The Middle Daughter is a social novel written by Chika Unigwe and published by Dzanc Books in 2018.[1] Unigwe drew her inspiration from the story of Hades and Persephone.[2]
| Author | Chika Unigwe |
|---|---|
| Country | Nigeria |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Literary fiction |
| Set in | Enugu |
| Publisher | Dzanc Books |
Publication date | 4 April 2023 |
| Media type | Print (hardback) |
| Pages | 312 |
| ISBN | 9781950539468 |
Characters
- Nani — the protagonist
- Udodi — Nani's older sister
- Ugo — Nani's younger sister
- Ephraim Nani's abusive husband
- Enuka — Nani's friend
Reception
Delight Ejiaka writing for World Literature Today reviews that "[t]he writing in the book is compelling and grounds the reader in its scenes." noting that "[t]he novel is fast-paced and plot-driven with great character development that propels the reader through the pages." Praising Unigwe for "raises the stakes of the story with every chapter until it crescendos and leaves the audience devastated."[1] Ainehi Edoro of Brittle Paper compared it favourably to Second Class Citizen by Buchi Emecheta,[3] reviewing that "The Middle Daughter is a powerful story about the truest, most luxuriant feminist joy—the joy of freedom."[3] Ukamaka Olisakwe of Isele Magazine gave it a five star review,[4] praising that "[t]he book is structured in an astonishingly ingenious form."[4]
References
- Ejiaka, Delight. "The Middle Daughter by Chika Unigwe". World Literature Today. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
- ""We Can Write All the Black Joy We Want, It Doesn't Mean that Black Suffering is Gone" | A Conversation with Chika Unigwe". Brittle Paper. 29 March 2023. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
- Edoro, Ainehi (3 April 2023). "When a Character Really Needs a Happy Ending | Review of The Middle Daughter by Chika Unigwe". Brittle Paper. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
- Olisakwe, Ukamaka (13 April 2023). ""Life Bookended by Joy and Light": Review of Chika Unigwe's The Middle Daughter". Isele Magazine. Retrieved 25 August 2023.