One Is Enough

This is an African woman's story of loss, struggle, and fulfillment. Amaka, the heroine, tries to live the regular life of a Nigerian woman-marriage and children- but fate has other plans for her. The action takes place against the socio-economic and cultural background of modern Nigeria and this provided an unexpected perspective for me. The prose unfolds beautifully, making this book an excellent lecture. It was my first encounter with African literature and what a surprise!

This book is about Amaka, a Nigerian woman forced out of her husband's home when it is discovered she is unable to have children. She decides to start her life over in another city. She changes and grows in her quest to find fulfillment as a single woman. The book is simply written, but I was eager to find out what happened to Amaka. It gives a glimpse into the struggles an African woman must face in a patriarchal society to influence, but not be dominated by, men.