Efuru
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| Efuru | |
 Early paperback edition cover |
|
| Author | Flora Nwapa |
|---|---|
| Country | Nigeria |
| Language | English |
| Genre(s) | Feminist novel |
| Publisher | William Heinemann |
| Publication date | 1966 |
| Media type | Print (Hardback & Paperback) |
| Pages | 281 pp (paperback edition) |
| ISBN | ISBN 0-435-90026-9 (paperback edition) |
Efuru is a novel by Flora Nwapa which was published in 1966, making it the first book written by a Nigerian woman to be published. The book is about Efuru, an Ibo woman who lives in a small village in colonial West Africa. Throughout the story, Efuru wishes to be a mother, though she is an independent-minded woman and respected for her trading ability.
[edit] Plot summary
The story was set in a rural community. Its protagonist, Efuru, is a strong and beautiful woman. She loses her child and has two unhappy marriages. At the end she goes to the lake goddess, Uhamiri, who is like a mirror of herself. Uhamiri gives her worshipers wealth and beauty but few children.".
[edit] Characters in "Efuru"
- Efuru – protagonist
- Nwashike Ogene – Efuru's father
- Adizua – Efuru's first husband
- Gilbert – Efuru's secon husband
[edit] Major themes
This book is considered a feminist work, though a controversial one, in part due to its depiction of female genital cutting.
