The Joys of Motherhood
The Joys of Motherhood is the story of Nnu Ego, a mother struggling to raise her family amid the changing landscape of Nigerian society. Raised in a small rural village, she finds the noise and rush of Lagos disconcerting, and pours all her energy and hopes into her oldest son — the son who is expected, in turn, to care for her as she ages.
Quote:
"In Ibuza sons help their father more than they help their mother. A mother's joy is only in the name. She worries over them, looks after them when they are small; but in the actual help on the farm, the upholding of the family name, all belong to the father."
Author:
Buchi Emecheta is a Nigerian author, professor, and publisher. Her novels include The Joys of Motherhood, The Bride Price, and The Slave Girl.
Published: 1979
Length: 224 pages
Set in: Nigeria