Name: Osubor Emmanuella Chekwube 

 Mat no: U2021/1825082 




REVIEW OF THE BOOK SECOND CLASS CITIZEN by BUCHI EMECHETA

Pages: 200

Chapters: Thirteen

Publishers: Allison & Bubsy

Year: 1974


  Brief Summary of the Book 

  At the beginning of the novel, Adah is a child of an Ibo from Ibuza, Nigeria, living in Lagos. She went to school on her own since nobody cared about her. She dreams as a young girl of moving to the United Kingdom. After her father dies, Adah is sent to live with her uncle's family.


She went to school in Nigeria and attained employment working for the American consulate as a library clerk. The compensation from this job is enough to make her a desirable bride to Francis (her now husband) and her in-laws.


Francis travels to the United Kingdom for several years to pursue the study of law with the help of Adah. She was the breadwinner of her family and her husband's family. Adah convinces her husband's family that she and the children also belong in the UK. Francis believes they are second-class citizens in the United Kingdom as they are not citizens of the country. Adah finds employment working for another library and pays for their expenses, while also providing primary care for their children.


Later, we see Francis become increasingly abusive and dismissive of Adah as she pursues becoming a writer.

    

 Review of the book 

"Second Class Citizen" by Buchi Emecheta is a powerful and moving novel that explores themes of gender inequality, race, and class struggle. The story follows Adah, a young Nigerian woman who faces numerous challenges as she tries to pursue her dreams and assert her independence in a society that constantly marginalizes her.


Emecheta's writing is raw and honest, pulling no punches in depicting the harsh realities of Adah's life. The novel is a poignant commentary on the struggles faced by women in patriarchal societies, as well as the additional obstacles faced by women of color.


The character development in "Second Class Citizen" is superb, with Adah's resilience and determination shining through even in the face of adversity. Emecheta's storytelling is gripping and emotionally resonant, drawing the reader into Adah's world and making them empathize with her struggles.


Overall, "Second Class Citizen" is a thought-provoking and impactful novel that sheds light on important social issues. It is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring themes of identity, oppression, and empowerment.


Conclusion

Buchi’s Second Class Citizen is an interesting novel that I would recommend without a second thought.