Under the Udala Trees is a coming of age story set in Nigeria in the midst of the civil war of 1960s.
Review
Under the Udala Trees is the story of Ijeoma, a young lesbian woman who comes of age in the 1960s. Nigeria is shaken up by the civil war and so is Ijeoma’s household – her father has died in the war and her mother sends her away to stay as a servant girl in the house of an old friend. Here she meets Amina, a young girl from a different tribe and religion who will become a turning point in Ijeoma’s life. She falls in love with Amina and their young love is discovered by the elders. Later we see the Bible study classes Ijeoma has with her mother for redemption from the ‘abominable act’ she has committed. We follow Ijeoma into adulthood and how she succumbs to pressures to live in a country that criminalizes homosexual relationships.
To be honest, I was expecting more details of the civil war, after being fascinated by the descriptions in Chimamanda Adichie’s Half of a Yellow Sun. But the book revolves more on Ijeoma’s life and the repercussions of the war follow as a social commentary in the background. The latter part of the book lingers on the stringent laws against homosexuals, as well as punishments including burning them alive, collected hate towards the community and so on.
The story is particularly heart touching because Ijeoma tries her best to fit in and question her own nature. She prays, has long conversations with herself, and tries to suppress her true nature. This struggle with her inner self is beautifully portrayed in the book. We also see a sort of maturity that develops in her thought process as she grows older.
I appreciate that the book does not talk against Christian doctrines. Okparanta questions beliefs, but she also makes it clear that perhaps the Church and the devotees misinterpreted certain passages which has a direct effect towards a community of people. This was a sensible approach by the author. The book is written in such a way that it makes you think, as well as does not hurt religious sentiments.
Final Verdict
Chinelo Okparanta is certainly a gifted writer and she has a knack of bringing alive the emotions felt by her characters. The language is easy to read, honest and engaging. I read this book in two days and had I gotten the time, I would have read it in one sitting.
Title : Under the Udala Trees
Author : Chinelo Okparanta
Publisher : Granta
Published : 2017 (Originally in 2015)
Language : English
Pages : 336
Rating : 4/5
Disclaimer : Much thanks to Granta for a copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
Beautiful review 🙂 I love coming of age stories and I especially love how I can feel a character’s journey while reading a book. This is my favorite thing ever, and I feel like this book really manages to do that well 🙂
You are right Marie; this book captures the emotions so well
What a beautiful cover! This is a book still sitting on my shelf, waiting to be read. One of these days…
I will look forward to your thoughts when you read the book. It is a fast read; so would not take you much time
I don’t know much about the civil war in Nigeria at all. Maybe this novel will be one which can help enlighten me a bit more and can open my eyes. I love to learn through my novels. It also sounds like one which is very well written.
If you would like to know about the civil war, Chimamanda’s Half of a Yellow Sun would be a better fit than Under the Udala Trees.
This is in the TBR pile next to my bed, I’m hoping to read it soon and you’ve definitely spurred me on!
I hope you will enjoy the read. It is a fast read, so you would not take much time to finish it.
I saw this one at my local library a few weeks ago and almost picked it up. After reading your review, I think I need to go back and check it out.
If you get your hands on a copy, I will be looking forward to reading your thoughts about the book.
Nice review! I love when historical fiction novels teach us something new about the era in which they were written, but it sounds like you wanted a little more detail for the backstory in this one. Appreciate all your thoughts!
Thanks Alicia. Yes, I expected a little more detail on the war. But the book was well written and who knows if there was more emphasis on the war we could not have connected with Ijeoma’s miseries. So no big complaints
You’ve me interested. I’ll keep an eye out for this one at my library. I’m into books you can read in a sitting these days.
I think you will enjoy this one then. The writing is simple and it makes for a fast read.
This is on my TBR and I’m so glad to hear another positive review. I am fascinated by books set in Nigeria. I’ll get to it eventually!
I hope you will enjoy it. My exposure to African lit is limited to Nigeria too. I would love to explore the works of other countries.
Wonderful review! This book sounds right up my alley, but it is disappointing there isn’t more about the Civil War included…
That’s true. I would recommend Half of a Yellow Sun if you are keen on the civil war. I hope you will enjoy the book when you pick it up.
This looks awesome and can’t wait to read it! Thanks for the review, Resh.
You are welcome Elliott. It is fast paced, so you will finish the book vey easily. I hope you will enjoy the read.
Oooh yes, I want to read this! Funny how all the books set in Nigeria that I’ve read take place during the civil war.
Now that you mention that, its so true! I cannot think of a book set in Nigeria that does not include the war.