Udodi's death was the beginning of the raging storm but at that moment we thought that the worst had already happened, and that life would treat us with more kindness.

When Nani is only seventeen, she loses her beloved sister and father. Misunderstood by the rest of her family, she is beguiled by an itinerant preacher, a handsome self-proclaimed 'man of God' who seems to offer all the answers. But instead of building a better future with him, Nani is forced too soon into a challenging womanhood with an oppressive husband.

Will she find the courage to take charge of her own life and seek true happiness, and at what cost?

About the Author

Chika Unigwe is Professor of Creative Writing at Georgia College and the author of several celebrated works of fiction including On Black Sisters' Street, which won the NLNG Prize for Literature, and most recently the short story collection Better Never Than Late (2019).

@chikaunigwe | chikaunigwe.com

Reviews
Absorbing and tender, Chika Unigwe's The Middle Daughter is a finely-drawn portrait of a young woman's resilience in the face of violence and grief -- PAULA HAWKINS
Moving [and] absorbing * * Stylist * *
Impressive . . . A multilayered tale like a Greek tragedy * * Oprah Daily * *
The Middle Daughter is an unflinching portrait of a family's grief and one daughter's climb out of despair. An absorbing, memorable read -- AYOBAMI ADEBAYO
This novel is about how things fall apart, how cracks form in the heart of the most beautiful things . . . An emotionally gruelling book to read for the ways it arced Nani's life along the unfolding of tragic experiences, which, made the ending so much more powerful, affirming, and satisfying -- AINEHI EDORO * * Brittle Paper * *
The Middle Daughter is an emotionally charged exploration of the ways in which a woman may fall victim to conventions designed to ensnare her. Chika Unigwe is a writer of great conviction and superior insight . . . Nani's story drew me in from the start and pulled me under right up until the end -- AMINATTA FORNA
Marvellous and engrossing from beginning to end. Unigwe navigates points of view with the sureness and composure of a writer in her element as Nani's raw and insistent voice drives the narrative -- SEFI ATTA
Chika Unigwe's modern retelling of the myth of Hades and Persephone is pitch perfect - it is a meditation on the need we all share for belonging, and family, and love; a commentary on the journey we must all take in search of freedom -- HELON HABILA
Difficult family dynamics, a violent marriage, and a woman's resilience combine for a profound and moving read . . . Real talent -- ALASTAIR CAMPBELL
From the very first chapter of The Middle Daughter, you know you're in the hands of a skilful writer. In Nani, Unigwe has created a character that is both deeply loveable and deeply flawed. You'll root for Nani and you'll be frustrated by her. This is a book you'll want to read and discuss with someone. I highly recommend -- CHIBUNDU ONUZO



Book Information
ISBN 9781838857899
Author Chika Unigwe
Format Hardback
Page Count 320
Imprint Canongate Books
Publisher Canongate Books
Weight(grams) 433g
Dimensions(mm) 220mm * 144mm * 31mm