Efuru

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Efuru  
Early paperback edition cover
Early paperback edition cover
Author Flora Nwapa
Country Nigeria
Language English
Genre(s) Feminist novel
Publisher William Heinemann
Publication date 1966
Media type Print (Hardback & Paperback)
Pages 281 pp (paperback edition)
ISBN ISBN 0-435-90026-9 (paperback edition)
OCLC Number 27123737

Efuru is a novel by Flora Nwapa which was published in 1966, making it the first book written by a Nigerian woman to be published. The book is about Efuru, an Ibo woman who lives in a small village in colonial West Africa. Throughout the story, Efuru wishes to be a mother, though she is an independent-minded woman and respected for her trading ability.

[edit] Plot summary

The story was set in a rural community. Its protagonist, Efuru, is a strong and beautiful woman. She loses her child and has two unhappy marriages. At the end she goes to the lake goddess, Uhamiri, who is like a mirror of herself. Uhamiri gives her worshipers wealth and beauty but few children.".

[edit] Characters in "Efuru"

  • Efuru – protagonist
  • Nwashike Ogene – Efuru's father
  • Adizua – Efuru's first husband
  • Gilbert – Efuru's second husband

[edit] Major themes

This book is considered a feminist work, though a controversial one, in part due to its depiction of female genital cutting.