When a friend uploaded a list of books she would be starting to read for the month, I was first attracted to the title of this book although I couldn't quite guess where the writer was going with the title. I must surely commend how compelling a read it was so much that i could not put it down until I was done. And, I must add too, that, it brought tears to my eyes.
THE PLOT
Daughters who walk this path, a novel by Yejide Kilanko, tells the story of spirited, intelligent Morayo who grew up surrounded by school friends and a busy family in modern-day lbadan, Nigeria. An adoring little sister, her traditional parents, and a host of aunties and cousins make Morayo's home their own. So there's nothing unusual about Morayo's charming but troubled cousin, Bros T, moving in with the family. At first, Morayo and her sister are delighted, but in her innocence, nothing prepares Morayo for the shameful secret Bros T forces upon her.
Thrust into a web of oppressive silence wover by the adults around her, Morayo must learn to fiercely protect herself and her sister; a legacy of silence many women in Morayo's family share. Only Aunty Morenike- once protected by her own mother - provides Morayo with a safe
home, and a sense of female community which sustains Morayo as she grows into a young woman in bustling, politically charged, often violent Nigeria.
MY THOUGHTS
As I read Daughters Who Walk This Path, I was deeply moved by Morayo's story. The book takes us to Ibadan, where she lives with her family, including her beloved little sister. At first, everything seems normal and happy. Morayo has friends, school, and a close-knit family that fills her life with love and laughter, but things change when her cousin Bros T comes to live with them. He seems charming initially, but he brings a dark secret that turns Morayo's world upside down. The way Kilanko writes about Morayo's feelings is so relatable.
You can feel her confusion, fear, and the
pressure to keep silent about what happens.
This is where the story gets heavy. Morayo has to learn how to protect herself and her sister in a world where adults often don't listen or believe children.
One of the most important characters in the book is Aunty Morenike. Oh, how i love her! I love how she saw through Morayo and reminded her to be kind to herself.She becomes a safe place for Morayo. Unlike other adults, Aunty Morenike understands Morayo's pain and offers her comfort and support. Their bond shows the strength of women supporting each other, even
when life gets tough. Aunty Morenike represents hope and the idea that healing can come from those who care.
The book also paints a clear picture of life in Nigeria, touching on cultural issues that many people face. It shows how families often keep secrets and how society can silence those hurting. Kilanko's writing makes it easy to understand these challenges without complicated language. She speaks from the heart, making the characters feel real and their struggles relatable.
Overall, Daughters Who Walk This Path is a
touching story about growing up, dealing with pain, and finding your voice. It reminds us that while we might face difficult times, there is always hope for a better future, especially with the help of those who love us.
If you haven't read this book yet, I encourage you to do so. It's a story that will make you think and feel and might just stay with you for a long time.
If you have read it, I'd love to hear your thoughts!
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