On my first ever trip to The Hay Festival this year I was lucky enough to get tickets for a talk with author Vanessa Walters, who is someone I had just recently discovered. I had downloaded sample chapters of her book, the Lagos Wife and saw that she would be interviews by author Alex Wheatle and hurriedly bought a ticket because for the talk as I was already intrigued by the book.
On the day I went on to buy the hardback cover which was signed by the author and I couldn't wait to get stuck in. But I was already reading another novel at the time, researching for a book I was writing and reading a download all about how to market books!
As some of you know, I am a very, very slow reader and I have finally finished The Lagos Wife!
Before my review, here is the Amazon book description, to whet your appetite.
BLURB:
THE PERFECT WIFE. THE PERFECT MURDER.
Nicole Oruwari has the perfect life: a handsome husband, a palatial house in the heart of Lagos and a glamorous group of friends. She left London and a troubled family past behind to become part of a community of expat wives.
But when Nicole disappears without a trace after a boat trip, the cracks in her so-called perfect life start to show. As the investigation turns up nothing but dead ends, her aunt Claudine flies to Nigeria to take matters into her own hands. As she digs into her niece's life, she uncovers a hidden truth. But the more she finds out about Nicole, the more Claudine's own buried history threatens to come to light.
My Review
Vanessa Walters' The Lagos Wife is a compelling and intricate novel that delves into the complexities of marriage, cultural clashes, and the pursuit of self-identity. Set against the vibrant and chaotic backdrop of Lagos, Nigeria, the book weaves a rich tapestry of life in one of Africa's most dynamic cities, exploring the lives of its characters with depth and sensitivity.
The story follows the journey of Nicole, a Black British woman who relocates to Lagos with her Nigerian husband, Tonye. You are not given the impression that Nicole is excited to leave London and the challenges of life in Lagos begin to turn into an ordeal as Nicole grapples with the stark differences between her life in London and her new existence in Lagos. The city, with its bustling energy and cultural richness, serves as both a character and a setting, shaping the lives of those who inhabit it.
Walters masterfully portrays the challenges Nicole faces as she navigates her role as a wife in a patriarchal society, contending with familial expectations, societal norms, and her own desires. The narrative is enriched by a cast of well-developed supporting characters, each bringing their own perspectives and complexities to the story. Tonye’s family, particularly his domineering father, adds tension and drama, highlighting the cultural expectations placed on women and the intricacies of family dynamics.
One of the novel's strengths is its portrayal of Lagos itself. Walters' vivid descriptions and keen observations bring the city to life, capturing its beauty, chaos, and contradictions. From the opulent neighbourhoods to the bustling markets, Lagos is depicted with authenticity and affection, providing readers with a nuanced understanding of the city and its inhabitants. Indeed, as Walters pointed out in her talk at the Hay Festival, she was a Nigerwife herself for about 7 years so has very obviously been able to draw on her experiences.
Walters' prose is both lyrical and accessible, so a large number of readers will find this story as engaging a read as I have. Her ability to blend drama with moments of introspection and, sometimes, humour, adds depth to the narrative, ensuring that readers remain invested in the characters and their journeys. The novel’s pacing is well-balanced, with moments of tension interspersed with reflective passages that allow for character development and thematic exploration.
I loved the ending of the book and was not disappointed in any way. I know that HBO has an option on the book so this will make for a good visual experience. Can't wait for it to come on Netflix!
In conclusion, The Lagos Wife is a beautifully crafted novel in which Vanessa Walters has created a memorable and thought-provoking story that will resonate with me for a very, very long time to come!
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