Tomorrow I Become a Woman

‘Aiwanose Odafen’s novel has entered popular feminist discourse.’ Afrocritik

On a Sunday in 1978, Obianuju meets Chigozie at church – the perfect place for an upstanding girl to find a husband.

Uju is in her last months studying economics at the University of Lagos; Gozie is a journalist ten years her senior. Crucially, he is Igbo and meets her mother’s approval. Months later, they are married, and Uju’s life is set on a new course.

Over the next two decades, Uju and her friends Adaugo and Chinelo must navigate traumas both personal and political as they learn how to live on their own terms in a traditional society beset by turmoil.

Tomorrow I Become a Woman is a nuanced and powerful story of friendship and resilience, set against the backdrop of a fast-changing Nigeria.

'This story of love, loss and resilient female friendship is a definite must read.’ Tola Rotimi Abraham, author of Black Sunday

‘Searing and beautifully rendered.’ Koa Beck, author of White Feminism

'Unflinching and cuts to the core.' Chika Unigwe, author of On Black Sisters Street

‘An accomplished and emotional triumph.’ Louise Beech, author of How To Be Brave