What Tomorrow? — A Review of Aiwanose Odafen’s ‘Tomorrow I Become A Woman’ | Eunice Tokula
By: Eunice Tokula
Tomorrow I Become a Woman by Aiwanose Odafen is a timely and important book highlighting the life, relationships and experiences of Obianuju — a vibrant, curious and free-spirited person.
In this book, we witness Obianuju, a person with dreams and aspirations for her life, have a different life from one she imagined originally. Succumbing to pressure, she aligns with societal expectations and traditions to marry and in a bid to be a devout and loving wife, has to abandon her education and dreams. This is despite the promises that had been made to her before marriage by her once loving partner, Gozie — a quirky and dedicated journalist — who had promised to allow her further her education.
In spite of her dedication to her marriage, she is meted with several challenges, ranging from physical and verbal abuse from her husband and mother to outright disregard for her values and aspirations both before and after childbirth. There is as well the harsh disprove of her mother’s idea that she would find her life’s comfort and purpose in marriage and the art of raising children.
In the harsh advent of military rule, Gozie is arrested for writing a criticism of the government. Uju is forced to, despite her limited education, take care of her home and stand up for herself, ‘be strong’, while working on the release of her husband. Upon his release, Gozie becomes callous from his brutal experience and ironically dispells his frustrations on the one person that consistently sought for his release, Uju.
In her married life, Uju experiences a plethora of feelings and treatments. From love from her children, to the comfort of company, to the sting of being regarded as a liability, to living in poverty and in plenty, to gas lighting from her mother and husband, to the joy of having children and the anger of not having your opinion taken into cognizance, among others.
Drawing strength from the camaraderie shared with her friends Chinelo and Adaugo, she learns what it was supposed to mean to be a strong and matured woman — in hiding behind the mask of the ‘role’ she had adapted.
When eventually it becomes clear to her that her life was hers to live and not for a rich and abusive husband to toss around, or for manipulative voices to sway (in form of her mother, elders or traditional opinions), Uju takes a chance against the odds and faces the opposition in a bid to change the narrative for herself and her daughters.
Aiwanose in this book, explores some relevant and crucial topics such as physical and verbal abuse and their effects, the pressure on many females to marry from the society, suppressing oneself and making [one-sided] sacrifices in marriage, friendship, the lasting stings of the Nigerian-Biafran war, the effect of the Military government on the economy and the citizens of the state, corruption, changing the perspective and narrative of Women’s worth in Africa. Amidst these, there is true genuine love which we see between Akin and Uju; an affection that endures albeit Uju’s marriage. While we do not see much of this love explored, in the end, there is promise for it.
The manner of writing used by Aiwanose is engaging and relatable. She describes with fascinating and engaging detail. Her characters hold unique personalities and voices that make them entertaining and intentionally carry the message being conveyed.
Tomorrow I Become A Woman embodies a strong message for Africa and the world at large. A reflection of the many harsh realities behind ‘womanhood’ and its dynamic definition dictated by patriarchal standards.
_________________________________________________________________
Eunice Tokula is a 400 level Agriculture student of Usmanu Danfodiyo University. She loves to read, write creative pieces, watch memes and explore music. She’s the Reviews Coordinator of Book O’clock UDUS. You can reach her via her email tokulaeunice@gmail.com or Instagram @0jochide.
RECOMMENDED READ: Now you know that Nearly All The Men in Lagos Are Mad
