'Under the Udala Trees' by Chinelo Okparanta

15:06 - 29 February 2016

On Homosexual love in Nigeria and why this book was written for white people.

Set against the backdrop of the Nigerian Civil war, Under the Udala Trees is a coming-of-age story of a young girl; Ijeoma, whose life is marred by war, death, and forbidden sexuality.

The death of her father sends Ijeoma’s life into freefall – unable to cope with her grief, newfound poverty, and the demands of parenting, her mother sends Ije to move in with the Ejiofors in Nnewi where she would later meet Amina who had lost her entire family to war.

At odds with her mother, her community, and her religion, Ijeoma and Amina are forced to hide their love and affection for each other due to the constraints of family and society.

I read an article some few weeks back by Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani in New York Times about how she had found out “what the white people wanted to read and given it to them.”

‘Under the Udala Trees’ by Chinelo Okparanta may have tried to highlight the struggles faced by gay and lesbian people in Nigeria but like Adaobi said “the idea of this book may have been independently inspired, but the approval of “white people” is very crucial.

Although, the first half of the book with the religious dogma was interesting to me. But I was completely detached. Having grown up in Nigeria where these types of religious attitudes are all too common, I found that part of the book to be very disturbing and too preachy.

While narrating the relationship between Amina and Ijeoma, I couldn’t help but feel as if the author was trying so hard to lead me to conclusions, rather than let me reach them on my own.

The narrative of her husband beating and maltreating her was too stereotypical for me, why do we have to portray African men as violent? Just like her mother accepted her queer status, why can’t her husband accept her too?

Born, schooled and currently living in Nigeria, i still don't understand homosexual relationships, and why they always hate on men. I thought this book would help me change that or help me understand but i still do not get it.

Don’t get me wrong. The book was good. Not life altering. Not wonderful. But a good read. At moments quite stereotypical, other times very absorbing.

Under the Udala Trees description of the Nigerian civil war exceeded every one of my expectations, and they were high to begin with.

While this book reads like something meant for white people, the themes of love, family, and religion in this book are true for so many.

The characters are so compelling and anyone can imagine one or more of these characters in his or her own life regardless of socio-economic status, sexuality or religious affiliation.

Okparanta’s strength lies in her vivid description of characters and scenes. Her simple, direct prose never strikes a false note.

From reading 'Under the Udala Trees' readers will develop a deeper appreciation of the author's writing. Being a debut novel by Chinelo Okparanta, I am definitely eager to see more of her work.

Rating: 3/5