As much as I love Nigerian literature, I love literary pieces from other countries. South Africa, and especially Ghana. Maybe it’s because we’re sort of neighbours. Not immediate neighbours but still in West Africa nonetheless, and we’re like the sibling countries, in the sense that we will forever bicker with and banter each other. Anyway, we do have a lot of similarities, which is why I would never shun a Ghanaian book and would always look forward to it. There’s a childhood favourite I want to share with you today.
A Woman in Her Prime by Asare Konadu
In a small Ghanaian village, Pokuwaa, a woman of grace and good report has joy eluded from her. Pokuwaa is a successful farmer even though she’s a woman, but her childlessness continuously worries her. Pokuwaa is middle aged and believes it to be a taboo not having children, so much so, that she divorces two husbands and counts herself extremely unfortunate.
Kwadwo, the current man in Pokuwaa’s life who loves her for her charm, easy conversation and good-naturedness does not feel like the answer to her prayers. Despite interferences and advice from her mother, Pokuwaa resorts to charms and sacrifices in final hopes that her problems are alleviated and her prayers answered. What finally befalls her leaves you with a lot of questions.
My Thoughts and Rating
I read this book some time in primary school, so it was a lot finding it again to read. It’s one of those books you remember for certain things. If anything, I learnt how much Ghanaians love eggs. It’s what you would call a traditional dish. The symbolism of eggs in this book both as a dish and a potent means for sacrifice is beyond enlightening. Somehow, I never forgot it.
This book is the type you can talk about but you can’t really talk about. The age-long fear of getting old without a child. Somehow, the sting was softened in my opinion, because she at least had a man in her life, because I doubt life would have been good for her if she hadn’t. Those are two stigmas that are usually associated with women, and we’re still trying to get out of even in this modern age, so you can only imagine how it could have been for her.
Being without a child is considered a great misfortune but I do not think she was facing pressure from people as she was with herself. Somehow, when you’re the one blaming and hating on yourself for something you feel you should have or should fulfilled and you haven’t, it’s harder. You can run from the taunts and mockeries of people, but how do you run when it’s your mind doing the mocking? Such was the case with Pokuwaa that pushed her to all the extremities she put herself through.
This book was originally published in 1967, and I honestly commend Asare Konadu for her bravery in tackling this matter even then. Although, hers was from the perspective of a woman generally wanting a child of her own, as the only yardstick to measure femininity, it does not take away any beauty this novel holds.
I think I will say I am in my African Era when it comes to books and not necessarily Nigerian, because you read books like this, Faceless, His Only Wife, but to mention a few, and you cannot help but be in awe. You should definitely read “A Woman in Her Prime,” if you haven’t. A true classic and an undeniable gem in African literature.
Jhymi🖤
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