Description

When Nani is only seventeen, she loses her beloved sister and father. Misunderstood by the rest of her family, she is beguiled by an itinerant preacher, a handsome self-proclaimed ‘man of God’ who seems to offer all the answers. But instead of building a better future with him, Nani is forced too soon into a challenging womanhood with an oppressive husband.

Will she find the courage to take charge of her own life and seek true happiness, and at what cost?

Publisher Review

Absorbing and tender, Chika Unigwe’s The Middle Daughter is a finely-drawn portrait of a young woman’s resilience in the face of violence and grief — PAULA HAWKINS Moving [and] absorbing * * Stylist * * Impressive . . . A multilayered tale like a Greek tragedy * * Oprah Daily * * The Middle Daughter is an unflinching portrait of a family’s grief and one daughter’s climb out of despair. An absorbing, memorable read — AYOBAMI ADEBAYO This novel is about how things fall apart, how cracks form in the heart of the most beautiful things . . . An emotionally gruelling book to read for the ways it arced Nani’s life along the unfolding of tragic experiences, which, made the ending so much more powerful, affirming, and satisfying — AINEHI EDORO * * Brittle Paper * * The Middle Daughter is an emotionally charged exploration of the ways in which a woman may fall victim to conventions designed to ensnare her. Chika Unigwe is a writer of great conviction and superior insight . . . Nani’s story drew me in from the start and pulled me under right up until the end — AMINATTA FORNA Marvellous and engrossing from beginning to end. Unigwe navigates points of view with the sureness and composure of a writer in her element as Nani’s raw and insistent voice drives the narrative — SEFI ATTA Chika Unigwe’s modern retelling of the myth of Hades and Persephone is pitch perfect – it is a meditation on the need we all share for belonging, and family, and love; a commentary on the journey we must all take in search of freedom — HELON HABILA Difficult family dynamics, a violent marriage, and a woman’s resilience combine for a profound and moving read . . . Real talent — ALASTAIR CAMPBELL From the very first chapter of The Middle Daughter, you know you’re in the hands of a skilful writer. In Nani, Unigwe has created a character that is both deeply loveable and deeply flawed. You’ll root for Nani and you’ll be frustrated by her. This is a book you’ll want to read and discuss with someone. I highly recommend — CHIBUNDU ONUZO