It’s been a while since a book grabbed my attention that I couldn’t breath until it was over. It’s so easy for someone to say what another should do in their shoes but until you wear them, you’ll never understand no matter how bad their situation is. The Middle Daughter by Chika Unigwe chronicles the painful experiences of a family’s loss, sisterhood and the courageous journey to get their lives back together.

The book, told in three parts, alternating between the past and present, introduces us to a loving family that was progressive and elite among their culture. They were a loving family that was full of life and cared about each other. When the eldest daughter died, this was the catalyst in the shift of the foundation of their unbreakable bond. Among three sisters who love each other, the shift began. Followed by the patriarch that left a devastating effect on the family but more harshly affected Nani.The toll of their loss, triggered a series of events that affected them collectively and individually.

Nani, the middle daughter, who loved her father and sister deeply, has retreated inward and has found life hard to cope with. Seeing her mother and sister eventually move on, this greatly affects her perception of them leaving her feeling alone and misunderstood. In her quest to be loved and feel belonged, one day when an itinerant preacher befriends her and through his daily affirmations, she becomes drawn to his words and starts to feel a connection. Little did she know of his sinister intentions and finds herself trapped by an abusive husband that not only takes her away from her family but breaks her soul and darkens the light she once shined.

When Nani gets an unexpected visit from her estranged sister, hope inspires her to find the courage to fight for herself despite the consequences.

It’s been a while since a book affected me like it did. This book hit my emotions hard. I didn’t and couldn’t stop reading because I couldn’t find peace until I finished. The characters, especially Nani, who the book centers around, there are just no words. The incredible strength she had through the abuse and the sacrifices of herself and for her children, in a state of becoming completely broken was heart wrenching. The best part for me was that powerful moment when she faces her abuser and no longer is a victim. What an inspiring moment that will never be forgotten.

The book was beautifully written and the cultural perspective that it shined from was bright.The storylines involving their family and bonds among the sisters pulls at the heart. I don’t know if this was intentional or if there is cultural reference to the afterlife but I loved the interjection of the eldest sister in the book. The comfort of your deceased relative watching over you and being there, seeing her thoughts were comforting and experiencing her forewarns of what to come and wishing she could do something was so gripping. The poetic vibe of her words just hit differently.

Overall, from its beautiful cover and the novel in between, I found this to be one of the books this year that I will never forget. Nani, can be anyone. She is a character whose voice deserves to be heard. If you get a chance to read, please consider checking this one out. I’m glad I took a chance to read and look forward to seeing what’s to come from this author.

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