Description

A COMPELLING STORY CELEBRATING THE RESILIENCE OF TWO WOMEN AS THEY NAVIGATE WHAT REMAINS A STRONGLY PATRIARCHAL NIGERIA

“I absolutely loved his book. Nwabulu and Julie are incredible, fully formed and fully flaw, characters that walk straight off the page and nestle in your heart as you read on.” Simon Savidge, The Frank Magazine

Nwabulu has been a housemaid since the age of ten but her dreams of becoming a typist are never weakened by the endless chores she is tasked with by her employers. She has fallen in love with a rich man’s son.

Julie is a modern woman, educated and independent. She has no intention of becoming love-struck Eugene’s second wife but allows herself to enjoy his extravagant gifts.

When dramatic events force Nwabulu and Julie into a dank room, the two women relate the stories of their contrasting experiences as they await their fate. Set against four decades of Nigerian history, The Son of the House is a stunning debut pulsing with vitality and intense human drama.

Publisher Review

"If you are going to read any new book on Nigeria, this one is it." -- Ikhide Ikheloa * Brittle Paper * "The Son of the House is filled with drama and loss and hope, weaving together the lives of these women who help each other navigate the patriarchal society that threatens to smother them... Onyemelukwe-Onuobia leaves the readers with no choice but to identify with these women, to understand them and to feel their pain. It's beautifully written and intimate; an incredible first novel and hopefully the first of many." * City Press * "A powerful and intimate narrative of bravery, of overcoming personal injustice, and having the strength to face difficult truths about oneself." * Sunday Times SA *