Under the Udala Trees
Under the Udala Trees by Chinelo Okparanta is a poignant narrative published by Mariner Books in 2016. This reprint edition spans 328 pages and is presented in English. The story follows Ijeoma, a young girl coming of age in Nigeria during a time of civil war. As she navigates her own identity and the complexities of love, she forms a deep connection with another girl, which challenges societal norms and reveals the personal costs of living in secrecy.
Readers will find a rich exploration of themes such as identity, prejudice, and forbidden love, all set against the backdrop of Nigeria’s historical struggles. The narrative draws inspiration from Nigerian folktales, weaving a tale that is both personal and reflective of broader societal issues. Through graceful prose, Okparanta illustrates how the turmoil of a nation impacts the lives of its citizens, making this work a significant commentary on the intersections of love and cultural conflict.
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A New York Times Book Review Editors Choice
Named a Best Book of the Year by
NPR * BuzzFeed * Bustle * Shelf Awareness * Publishers Lunch
[This] love story has hypnotic power. The New Yorker
Ijeoma comes of age as her nation does. Born before independence, she is eleven when civil war breaks out in the young republic of Nigeria. Sent away to safety, she meets another displaced child and they, star-crossed, fall in love. They are from different ethnic communities. They are also both girls.But when their love is discovered, Ijeoma learns that she will have to hide this part of herself and there is a cost to living inside a lie.
Inspired by Nigeria s folktales and its war, Chinelo Okparanta shows us, in graceful and precise prose (New York Times Book Review), how the struggles and divisions of a nation are inscribed on the souls of its citizens. Powerful and heartbreaking, Under the Udala Trees is a deeply moving commentary on identity, prejudice, and forbidden love (BuzzFeed).
An important and timely read, imbued with both political ferocity and mythic beauty. Bustle
A real talent. [Under the Udala Trees is] the kind of book that should have come with a cold compress kit. It s sad and sensual and full of heat. John Freeman, Electric Literature
Demands not just to be read, but felt. Edwidge Danticat
Born in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, Chinelo Okparanta is the author ofHappiness, Like Water. Her honors include an O. Henry Prize, twoLambda Literary Awards, and finalist selections for the Young Lions, the Caine Prize, and the Rolex Mentors andProteges Arts Initiative. She lives in New York.”
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