--- product_id: 4461900 title: "The Joys of Motherhood: A Novel" price: "€ 30.02" currency: EUR in_stock: true reviews_count: 13 url: https://www.desertcart.hr/products/4461900-the-joys-of-motherhood-a-novel store_origin: HR region: Croatia --- # The Joys of Motherhood: A Novel **Price:** € 30.02 **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** The Joys of Motherhood: A Novel - **How much does it cost?** € 30.02 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.hr](https://www.desertcart.hr/products/4461900-the-joys-of-motherhood-a-novel) ## Best For - Customers looking for quality international products ## Why This Product - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Description A feminist literary classic by one of Africa’s greatest women writers, re-issued with a new introduction by Stéphane Robolin. First published in 1979, The Joys of Motherhood is the story of Nnu Ego, a Nigerian woman struggling in a patriarchal society. Unable to conceive in her first marriage, Nnu is banished to Lagos where she succeeds in becoming a mother. Then, against the backdrop of World War II, Nnu must fiercely protect herself and her children when she is abandoned by her husband and her people. Emecheta “writes with subtlety, power, and abundant compassion” (New York Times). Review: The Idea Is Everything... But Reality Is Something Else - EXTREME WARNING: Unless your computer has updated Norton Anti-virus protection or comparable protection against covert & malicious software (which infects your computer & then downloads all your files at night by spies) DO NOT ACCESS ANY OF MY REVIEWS!!! [This is no hype or joke.] When a society values Motherhood, but not the women themselves: it is warped, hypocritical, and sexist wherever it is in the world, (Africa, Europe, Asia, or the Americas)...and this is so whatever the culture or its religion (Indigenous, Muslim, Christian, or otherwise). This is the essence of Buchi Emecheta's outstanding African novel, THE JOYS OF MOTHERHOOD. Although it is set in colonial Nigeria (pre and post World War II) the struggles of its female protagonist, Nnu Ego, are really the struggles of all women---which are: to find meaningful self-fullfilling roles in their societies...a struggle that continues to this day. Patriarchal and sexist societies rarely view women as having any role greater than that of baby-makers. And even worse, almost all of them are culturally biased to value male infants more than females. They hypocritically proclaim to value motherhood, but devalue women, and even the mothers themselves. They proclaim a great love for infants, then reject adequate societal care for the children (this is particularly true in the U.S.). We might think that only primitive and indigenous societies are guilty of such blatantly sexist practices, but (as a by-product of male patriarchy) it remains standard practice around the world---for all religious fundamentalists, all pro-life fanatics, and for all arranged marriages. The women and daughters get no respect...and no say...and no choice. They get cultural B.S. and religious hype---in order for them to accept that being a mother is the greatest honor of a female's life--and that without being a mother (mostly of sons), they will remain unfullfilled. But, given adequate alternatives, most women would probably see right through this (along with the practice of their men having multiple wives) as being exactly what it is...self-justifying, male, sexual con. And yet, most of them would also acknowledge a part of this con as being absolutely necessary for Life itself to continue. I believe there CAN BE joy and a dignity in being a mother (if that's what a woman chooses for herself), and IF she has love, money, help from her partner, and adequate care-giving skills. Similarly, I believe there will also be despair and family dysfunction when ANY of these things are missing. The current rise in social pathologies in the U.S. mirrors the concurrent rise in single-parent, female-headed, households. Too much of our thinking and social lives have become singular in emphasis, individually selfish, as well as socially and sexually disjointed, and out of balance. Women themselves must be seen as (and also become) more than JUST mothers, and men themselves must be seen as (and certainly become) MUCH MUCH more than just sperm-donors. Our current social reality shows that it will take all of this. [And love, respect, and more money wouldn't hurt a thing either.] Otherwise, simply as products of a sexist culture, we are ALL just liars and hypocrites, at best; and destroyers of hope and a better future, at worst. I just recently discovered the novels of Buchi Emecheta--sharing her stories and her perspective on the world (along with other excellent, Black, female, writers.) I keep reading, and I keep learning. My journey continues, and I hope yours does as well. Read, learn, and enjoy. I certainly did. Review: Enjoyable and Educational - Igbos, Ona and wealthy local Chief Nwokocha Agbadi were in love. However, Ona’s father, ruler at another village, Chief Umunna, forbade Ona to marry. Umunna had not fathered sons; therefore, Ona would someday occupy his seat. Agbadi suffered serious injuries during a hunting trip. Ona tended him during convalescence and, during that time; the two mated and produced a child. Ona could not disobey her father’s wishes and marry Agbadi. Instead, she promised Agbadi if she had a son, she would present him to her father. If she delivered a daughter, she would give her to Agbadi. Ona died during childbirth delivering a daughter. Agbadi named his daughter Nnu Ego, which means a priceless jewel. Nnu Ego typified the conventional role of young women at that time, in the late 1930s and early 1940s, to bear and raise children. Her first marriage ended in disaster because she could not bear children. Motherhood is the most important aspect for women and having sons pre-eminent in Nigeria. She relocated to Lagos, Nigeria, for her second marriage to Nnaife Owulum, with whom she conceived. Nnaife had no sense of direction. He was unconventional concerning Nigerian men’s work ethic. Known as a “washerman,” much to Nnu Ego’s chagrin and annoyance, he cared for the clothing, underwear, and bed linens of his English employers, the Meers. Nnaife appeared selfish and indolent. His only contribution was to give Nnu Ego children and look forward to their sons taking care of him in old age and the ‘bride price’ he would amass from his four daughters. Eventually, Nnaife, took on his deceased brother’s wives the elder Adankwo and young Adaku. Adaku, the more astute and enterprising left Nnaife, during his five-year conscription into the British Army. Nnu Ego had to fend for herself and their children. She felt it not fair the way men cleverly used a woman’s sense of responsibility to enslave them. Nnu Ego, proud and conscientious, was self-critical of herself, and often reflected social standards learned from her father. She assumed her husband’s role as breadwinner for their growing family. Before having more children, she too, considered enterprising, sold cigarettes and other sundries, but became defeated after producing so many children. Changes had already taken place in West Africa. Colonial rule coerced Christianity, European beliefs of education, and behavior. This eroded age-old customs and traditions, to such an extent that Oshia, the Owulum’s eldest son no longer believed it obligatory to support the family. With a scholarship, he completed his higher education in America and married a European. His brother, Adim, disappointed at Oshia’s family rank, left home to complete higher learning in Canada. Daughter Kehinde chose a Yoruba for her husband, much to Nnaife’s maddening and sudden violent disposition. The familiar crumbled. All seemed lost when the love, respect, ordinariness and intimacy of family fell apart and its end the terrible pain of aloneness. I enjoyed reading this five-star book. ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | Best Sellers Rank | #155,959 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #2,723 in Family Life Fiction (Books) #8,610 in Literary Fiction (Books) | | Customer Reviews | 4.6 out of 5 stars 492 Reviews | ## Images ![The Joys of Motherhood: A Novel - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61t0YREor5L.jpg) ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Idea Is Everything... But Reality Is Something Else *by A***R on November 10, 2011* EXTREME WARNING: Unless your computer has updated Norton Anti-virus protection or comparable protection against covert & malicious software (which infects your computer & then downloads all your files at night by spies) DO NOT ACCESS ANY OF MY REVIEWS!!! [This is no hype or joke.] When a society values Motherhood, but not the women themselves: it is warped, hypocritical, and sexist wherever it is in the world, (Africa, Europe, Asia, or the Americas)...and this is so whatever the culture or its religion (Indigenous, Muslim, Christian, or otherwise). This is the essence of Buchi Emecheta's outstanding African novel, THE JOYS OF MOTHERHOOD. Although it is set in colonial Nigeria (pre and post World War II) the struggles of its female protagonist, Nnu Ego, are really the struggles of all women---which are: to find meaningful self-fullfilling roles in their societies...a struggle that continues to this day. Patriarchal and sexist societies rarely view women as having any role greater than that of baby-makers. And even worse, almost all of them are culturally biased to value male infants more than females. They hypocritically proclaim to value motherhood, but devalue women, and even the mothers themselves. They proclaim a great love for infants, then reject adequate societal care for the children (this is particularly true in the U.S.). We might think that only primitive and indigenous societies are guilty of such blatantly sexist practices, but (as a by-product of male patriarchy) it remains standard practice around the world---for all religious fundamentalists, all pro-life fanatics, and for all arranged marriages. The women and daughters get no respect...and no say...and no choice. They get cultural B.S. and religious hype---in order for them to accept that being a mother is the greatest honor of a female's life--and that without being a mother (mostly of sons), they will remain unfullfilled. But, given adequate alternatives, most women would probably see right through this (along with the practice of their men having multiple wives) as being exactly what it is...self-justifying, male, sexual con. And yet, most of them would also acknowledge a part of this con as being absolutely necessary for Life itself to continue. I believe there CAN BE joy and a dignity in being a mother (if that's what a woman chooses for herself), and IF she has love, money, help from her partner, and adequate care-giving skills. Similarly, I believe there will also be despair and family dysfunction when ANY of these things are missing. The current rise in social pathologies in the U.S. mirrors the concurrent rise in single-parent, female-headed, households. Too much of our thinking and social lives have become singular in emphasis, individually selfish, as well as socially and sexually disjointed, and out of balance. Women themselves must be seen as (and also become) more than JUST mothers, and men themselves must be seen as (and certainly become) MUCH MUCH more than just sperm-donors. Our current social reality shows that it will take all of this. [And love, respect, and more money wouldn't hurt a thing either.] Otherwise, simply as products of a sexist culture, we are ALL just liars and hypocrites, at best; and destroyers of hope and a better future, at worst. I just recently discovered the novels of Buchi Emecheta--sharing her stories and her perspective on the world (along with other excellent, Black, female, writers.) I keep reading, and I keep learning. My journey continues, and I hope yours does as well. Read, learn, and enjoy. I certainly did. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Enjoyable and Educational *by U***A on November 20, 2017* Igbos, Ona and wealthy local Chief Nwokocha Agbadi were in love. However, Ona’s father, ruler at another village, Chief Umunna, forbade Ona to marry. Umunna had not fathered sons; therefore, Ona would someday occupy his seat. Agbadi suffered serious injuries during a hunting trip. Ona tended him during convalescence and, during that time; the two mated and produced a child. Ona could not disobey her father’s wishes and marry Agbadi. Instead, she promised Agbadi if she had a son, she would present him to her father. If she delivered a daughter, she would give her to Agbadi. Ona died during childbirth delivering a daughter. Agbadi named his daughter Nnu Ego, which means a priceless jewel. Nnu Ego typified the conventional role of young women at that time, in the late 1930s and early 1940s, to bear and raise children. Her first marriage ended in disaster because she could not bear children. Motherhood is the most important aspect for women and having sons pre-eminent in Nigeria. She relocated to Lagos, Nigeria, for her second marriage to Nnaife Owulum, with whom she conceived. Nnaife had no sense of direction. He was unconventional concerning Nigerian men’s work ethic. Known as a “washerman,” much to Nnu Ego’s chagrin and annoyance, he cared for the clothing, underwear, and bed linens of his English employers, the Meers. Nnaife appeared selfish and indolent. His only contribution was to give Nnu Ego children and look forward to their sons taking care of him in old age and the ‘bride price’ he would amass from his four daughters. Eventually, Nnaife, took on his deceased brother’s wives the elder Adankwo and young Adaku. Adaku, the more astute and enterprising left Nnaife, during his five-year conscription into the British Army. Nnu Ego had to fend for herself and their children. She felt it not fair the way men cleverly used a woman’s sense of responsibility to enslave them. Nnu Ego, proud and conscientious, was self-critical of herself, and often reflected social standards learned from her father. She assumed her husband’s role as breadwinner for their growing family. Before having more children, she too, considered enterprising, sold cigarettes and other sundries, but became defeated after producing so many children. Changes had already taken place in West Africa. Colonial rule coerced Christianity, European beliefs of education, and behavior. This eroded age-old customs and traditions, to such an extent that Oshia, the Owulum’s eldest son no longer believed it obligatory to support the family. With a scholarship, he completed his higher education in America and married a European. His brother, Adim, disappointed at Oshia’s family rank, left home to complete higher learning in Canada. Daughter Kehinde chose a Yoruba for her husband, much to Nnaife’s maddening and sudden violent disposition. The familiar crumbled. All seemed lost when the love, respect, ordinariness and intimacy of family fell apart and its end the terrible pain of aloneness. I enjoyed reading this five-star book. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Engaging, Powerful and Nuanced *by C***O on November 5, 2021* Buchi Emecheta’s The Joys of Motherhood is a fundamental text in the wider cannon of Nigerian post-colonial literature. The novel centers around half a dozen main characters – mostly women – and follows their trials and tribulations navigating the complex social structures of Igboland. Taking place at the dawn of British colonial rule and into the colonial period through the Second World War, Emecheta is able to capture to essence of a Nigeria in tumult – a period defined by the chaos of colonial rule and the inherent social implications associated with it. I deem that Emecheta is able to successfully transport readers across both time and space, as each chapter is linked to the previous via a complex wed of family ties, overlapping stories, and tactful writing. The style of writing was particularly intriguing, as it was reflective of the “Western-style” novel. Vectoring into debates about how African novels “should be written”, Buchi Emecheta is successfully use Western writing conventions to her advantage – making her work both accessible to a larger audience and distinctly Nigerian/Igbo. Clearing drawing on works like Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, Buchi Emecheta is able to give an insightful view into the world of “African motherhood” and transfer relatable narratives/lessons via characters like Ona and Nnu Ego. While Ona was the “foundational” character for the novel, she was perhaps the most enticing. Representing the general freedom and agency African women had prior to colonial rule, Ona stands as testament to long traditions of female power in pre-colonial Nigerian societies. Nnu Ego on the other hand, represents a “new African woman” who grew up in the colonial period, and whose world was fundamentally changed by the invention of tradition (on part of the British colonial administration) and the social changes brought during The Second World War. Moreover, The Joys of Motherhood clearly was the basis for Yaa Gyasi’s novel Homegoing, as each chapter (some characters had two) revolved around a single character – years passed between each and readers are able to follow the lineage of Ona into the post-WWII era. Despite its inherent strengths, I did have a few minor issues with The Joys of Motherhood. The first of these would be the prominence of sexual assault throughout the novel – while this is an extremely important topic that needs to be unpacked, Buchi just seemed to “throw it in” for sake of “drama”. I personally did not like how she passively added it in to the “plot” and did not unpack the implications of sexually related trauma. Secondly, I took issue with the transition to ‘the third generation’ – Ego’s children. While Buchi Emecheta was able to successfully show the passage of time between Ona and Nnu Ego, it was much more confusing at later stages in the novel. While this can be an intentional tactic to show the distant relationship of the family now divided by the Atlantic Ocean, it sometimes made the text confusing at times. Overall, The Joys of Motherhood is an eloquently presented novel that is definitely worth both your time and money. To me, its success is due to the characters – dynamic and relatable – as they highlight the very real struggles of raising children in less-than-ideal circumstances. Secondly, the novel adds to a major gap in African literature – the Interwar period and into The Second World War. Africans and their vital contributions are often forgotten in the “Great War” narratives of the West – Buchi Emecheta uses her text to show the impact on everyday Nigerians. While the novel is not perfect, it is certainly “a must” for anyone interested in an exploration of classic Nigerian works of literature. ## Frequently Bought Together - The Joys of Motherhood: A Novel - Things Fall Apart - So Long a Letter --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.hr/products/4461900-the-joys-of-motherhood-a-novel](https://www.desertcart.hr/products/4461900-the-joys-of-motherhood-a-novel) --- *Product available on Desertcart Croatia* *Store origin: HR* *Last updated: 2026-06-06*