Under the Udala Trees

by Chinelo Okparanta
Under the Udala Trees cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Literary Fiction
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  • ID: 5946
  • Added: 2025-10-27
  • Updated: 2025-10-27
  • ISBN: 9781847088376
  • Publisher: Granta Books
  • Published: 2015-09-03
  • Reviews: 3

Under the Udala Trees by Chinelo Okparanta is a powerful and evocative novel that explores themes of love, faith, and redemption. Set against the backdrop of the Biafran civil war, the story follows Ijeoma, a young girl whose life is transformed when her father is killed and she is separated from her mother. In her grief, she meets Amina, and their relationship becomes a pivotal force in Ijeoma's life, testing her beliefs and flooding her heart with both joy and turmoil. The novel takes readers through Ijeoma's journey from childhood to adulthood, delving into the complexities of her blossoming sexuality, the challenges she faces, and the everyday sorrows and joys of marriage and motherhood. Okparanta's mesmerizing storytelling and bravery in addressing taboo subjects make this a breathtaking and richly historical narrative.

Reviews
The Rusty Times · 2017-07-28
shocking 4.25

The novel is a coming-of-age story that shocks, scares, and tugs at heartstrings, lifting the veil on many societal issues.

The reviewer describes the novel as a coming-of-age story like no other, one that shocks, scares, and tugs at heartstrings. They appreciate the book's ability to lift the veil on many societal issues, particularly those related to love, faith, and identity. The reviewer finds the story deeply moving and important, highlighting the author's skill in creating a compelling and emotional read. They also note the book's ability to challenge societal norms and offer a poignant narrative.

Quick quotes

    Under the Udala Trees is a coming of age story like no other.

    It shocks us, scares us, tugs at our heart strings and lifts the veil on a lot of the issues in society.

    The novel is deeply moving and important, shedding light on the intersection of love, faith, and identity.

The Guardian · 2015-09-24
moving 4.00

The novel is a gripping exploration of a young gay woman's coming of age in Nigeria during the civil war. It challenges societal norms and offers a poignant narrative.

The reviewer highlights the novel's gripping portrayal of a young gay woman's journey during the Nigerian civil war. They appreciate the book's ability to challenge societal norms and offer a poignant narrative. The story is deeply moving and sheds light on the struggles of love and identity in a conflicted society. The reviewer also notes the author's skill in weaving together historical and personal narratives to create a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    Okparanta delivers a gripping novel about a young gay woman's coming of age in Nigeria during the Nigerian civil war.

    The novel challenges societal norms and offers a poignant narrative.

    The story is deeply moving and sheds light on the struggles of love and identity in a conflicted society.

The Lesbian Review · 2015-09-03
beautiful 4.50

The book is a beautiful and heart-tugging literary fiction novel that highlights the importance of forming your own personal beliefs.

The reviewer praises the novel for its beautiful and heart-tugging narrative, emphasizing the importance of forming personal beliefs. They appreciate the book's exploration of love, faith, and identity in a society where queerness is often silenced. The reviewer finds the story deeply moving and important, highlighting the author's skill in creating a compelling and emotional read.

Quick quotes

    Under The Udala Trees by Chinelo Okparanta is a beautiful and heart-tugging literary fiction novel.

    It highlights the importance of forming your own personal beliefs.

    The story is deeply moving and important, shedding light on the intersection of love, faith, and identity.

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