Marriage is a significant institution in many cultures, including Nigeria, where it often intertwines with traditions, societal expectations, religion, and personal aspirations.
Nigerian authors have consistently explored this theme, shedding light on the dynamics, challenges, and triumphs that define marriages across different settings and eras.
They have used their narratives to depict the complexities of marriage, ranging from love and partnership to challenges like patriarchy, infidelity, and cultural pressures.
Below are 20 notable books by Nigerian authors that focus on various aspects of marriage:
20 books on marriage written by Nigerians
1. The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives by Lola Shoneyin: A humorous and poignant portrayal of a polygamous family, this novel reveals the hidden lives and complex relationships between Baba Segi and his four wives. It addresses themes of polygamy, jealousy, and women’s agency within marriage.
2. Stay With Me by Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀: Set against the backdrop of Nigeria’s political landscape, this novel explores infertility in marriage. Yejide and Akin's marriage is deeply affected by societal expectations and the pressures to conceive, revealing the emotional and physical toll of infertility.
3. The Joys of Motherhood by Buchi Emecheta: This classic novel highlights the life of Nnu Ego, a woman whose self-worth is tied to her role as a mother and wife. The book examines the expectations of women within marriage, particularly around motherhood, and the sacrifices they make to meet societal standards.
4. Second-Class Citizen by Buchi Emecheta: This semi-autobiographical novel explores marriage through the life of Adah, a Nigerian woman navigating life in London. The story examines themes of patriarchy, the immigrant experience, and the challenges faced by women in abusive or unfulfilling marriages.
5. Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: While primarily a story about family and religious extremism, ‘Purple Hibiscus’ also delves into the troubled marriage between Kambili’s parents. Domestic violence and control play a significant role in the depiction of this marriage.
6. The Bride Price by Buchi Emecheta: This novel critically examines the bride price tradition and its implications on marriage. Through the love story of Aku-nna and Chike, the author explores how economic and cultural practices can manipulate marriage.
7. Efuru by Flora Nwapa: ‘Efuru’ tells the story of a strong, independent woman whose marriages are affected by infertility and societal expectations. The novel highlights women’s resilience and their place in marriage within traditional Igbo society.
8. I Do Not Come to You by Chance by Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani: Though the book mainly revolves around internet fraud, it explores Kingsley’s relationship with Ola and how financial instability can strain a marriage. The novel underscores the role economic challenges play in modern marriages.
9. Under the Udala Trees by Chinelo Okparanta: Set during and after Nigeria's civil war, this novel focuses on Ijeoma, a young girl coming to terms with her sexuality in a society that forbids same-sex relationships. Her arranged marriage highlights the tension between societal expectations and personal identity.
10. The Famished Road by Ben Okri: The book provides a unique look into the marriage of Azaro’s parents. Their relationship is shaped by poverty and their struggle to survive, offering insights into how external factors impact marital life.
11. On Black Sisters’ Street by Chika Unigwe: This novel follows four Nigerian women who work as sex workers in Belgium. Their stories reveal the backgrounds they left behind, including failed marriages, abuse, and economic desperation that forced them into their current lives.
12. My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite: A dark and satirical take on relationships, this novel subtly addresses the complexities of marriage, love, and commitment through the lives of Korede and her sister, Ayoola. The story critiques societal norms around relationships and marriage.
13. The Fishermen by Chigozie Obioma: Set in a small Nigerian town, ‘The Fishermen’ explores family relationships and sibling dynamics. While not primarily about marriage, the strained marriage of the boys’ parents reflects the broader social and economic challenges affecting families.
14. A Spell of Good Things by Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀: This novel focuses on how socioeconomic factors shape relationships and marriages in Nigeria. The contrasting lives of two Nigerian families reveal how love, wealth, and social expectations influence marital decisions and experiences.
15. The Stillborn by Zaynab Alkali: In this novel, two women face the harsh realities of marriage. One seeks to fulfill her dreams through education, while the other enters into marriage without a complete understanding of the responsibilities it entails, illustrating how women’s choices shape their futures.
16. Seasons of Crimson Blossoms by Abubakar Adam Ibrahim: This story revolves around an unconventional relationship between a widow, Binta, and a much younger man, Reza. Set in conservative Northern Nigeria, the novel examines the tensions between passion, societal expectations, and the repressive nature of tradition.
17. Fine Boys by Eghosa Imasuen: In the 1990s, during Nigeria's military regime, ‘Fine Boys’ explores the lives of university students. Through the various relationships in the book, marriage emerges as a backdrop to personal decisions, societal pressures, and the turmoil of the time.
18. Black Sunday by Tola Rotimi Abraham: ‘Black Sunday’ chronicles the lives of four siblings whose experiences in Lagos are shaped by familial and marital breakdowns. The novel delves into how failed marriages and relationships can profoundly impact children and their future relationships.
19. Happiness, Like Water by Chinelo Okparanta: This collection of short stories often touches on themes of marriage and relationships, particularly how women navigate the complexities of love, cultural expectations, and personal choice in Nigeria and the diaspora.
20. Everything Good Will Come by Sefi Atta: This coming-of-age novel follows Enitan, a Nigerian woman whose journey of self-discovery is intertwined with her views on marriage, friendship, and independence. It critiques the traditional roles women are expected to play in marriage.
These 20 books by Nigerian authors provide a multifaceted exploration of marriage, reflecting the cultural, social, and personal dimensions that shape this institution in Nigeria.
From polygamy and patriarchy to love, independence, and modern challenges, these novels offer valuable insights into how marriage is perceived and experienced across different generations and social contexts in Nigeria.
Through these works, readers are invited to reflect on the evolving dynamics of marriage in a rapidly changing society.
20 romance books by Nigerian authors you should read
Meanwhile, in an earlier report, TheRadar compiled a list of 20 books on romance by Nigerian authors, from heartwarming tales to passionate love stories and emotional sagas.
These books explore themes of love, identity, and self-discovery, reflecting the country's rich cultural heritage and modern influences on relationships.