Key Takeaways

  • Historical Context: Set during the 1967 Biafran genocide.
  • Strong Lead: Focuses on resilient Igbo widow, Ngozika.
  • Unlikely Alliance: Features a bond between Ngozika and Yoruba soldier Sola.
  • Survival Themes: Explores resilience and maternal love amid war.
  • Acclaimed Author: Written by prolific author Onyeka Nwelue.
  • Broad Appeal: Essential read for those interested in African history and human endurance.

The Women of Biafra by Onyeka Nwelue, a novel priced at ₦10,000.00 and available at Rovingheights bookstore and Amazon. Set in 1967 during the devastating Biafran genocide, this gripping narrative pulls you into the life of Ngozika, a young Igbo widow who faces unimaginable brutality. Her journey is heart-wrenching, as she strives to protect her twins amidst the horrors of war.

Unexpectedly, a Yoruba soldier, Sola Adenubi, becomes her ally in a perilous escape. This alliance blossoms into a beacon of hope and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. The central question resonates throughout the story: How long can Ngozika run before the shadows of war inevitably catch up with them again?

The Women of Biafra by Onyeka Nwelue is not just a story; it’s an odyssey through themes of resilience, survival, and the power of maternal love. Against the chaotic backdrop of the Nigerian Civil War, Nwelue weaves a narrative that is both captivating and profound. This novel offers a compelling exploration of the human spirit’s capacity to endure and triumph in the face of overwhelming adversity. Prepare to be moved by a tale that is as inspiring as it is harrowing.

Book Details:

  • Publisher/Imprint – Abibiman Publishing UK
  • ISBN/Ean –  1068638303 / 9781068638305
  • Format – Paperback / softback
  • Published – 25/08/2024
  • Country of Pub – United Kingdom
  • Pages – 327 pages
  • Dimensions – 130 x 200 mm

Nwelue, a prolific author with over 25 books to his name, continues to demonstrate his remarkable storytelling prowess in The Women of Biafra. His debut novel, The Abyssinian Boy (2009), and subsequent works like The Beginning of Everything Colorful (2018) and The Strangers of Braamfontein (2021), have earned him critical acclaim and numerous awards, solidifying his place as a leading voice in African literature.

Beyond his literary achievements, Nwelue’s career spans writing, publishing, filmmaking, and music production. He co-founded the World Arts Agency in South Africa. He was also an Academic Visitor and founder of the James Currey Society at the University of Oxford’s African Studies Centre, and Visiting Scholar at the Centre of African Studies in the University of Cambridge. His documentaries and films, such as The House of Nwapa and Agwaetiti Obiuto, have received international recognition and accolades.

The Women of Biafra is a testament to Nwelue’s ability to capture the essence of human endurance and the complexities of war. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the historical and emotional landscape of the Biafran genocide and the broader context of the Nigerian Civil War. Through his vivid storytelling and richly developed characters, Nwelue offers readers a window into a tumultuous period in history, highlighting the enduring strength and resilience of women in the face of conflict.

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