The Middle Daughter

By: Chika Unigwe

Narrated by: Nneka Okoye, Charles Ohanwe

Udodi's death was the beginning of the raging storm but at that moment, we thought that the worst had already happened, and that life would treat us with more kindness.

When Nani is only seventeen, she loses her beloved sister and father. Misunderstood by the rest of her family, she is beguiled by an itinerant preacher, a handsome self-proclaimed 'man of God' who seems to offer all the answers. But instead of building a better future with him, Nani is forced too soon into a challenging womanhood with an oppressive husband.

Will she find the courage to take charge of her own life and seek true happiness, and at what cost?

©2023 Chika Unigwe (P)2023 Canongate Books

Critic reviews

"Absorbing and tender, Chika Unigwe's The Middle Daughter is a finely-drawn portrait of a young woman's resilience in the face of violence and grief." (Paula Hawkins)

"The Middle Daughter is an unflinching portrait of a family's grief and one daughter's climb out of despair. An absorbing, memorable read." (Ayombami Adebayo)

"The Middle Daughter is an emotionally charged exploration of the ways in which a woman may fall victim to conventions designed to ensnare her. Chika Unigwe is a writer of great conviction and superior insight . . . Nani's story drew me in from the start and pulled me under right up until the end." (Aminatta Forna)

Contemporary African Feminist Read

Great Nigerian narrator which really adds to the story. Nigerian culture, politics and capitalism show its impact on women. Family politics are also well integrated into the telling of the Middle Daugther's story. Great read!

Beautiful narration

The book was an overall success to me. So much to relate to and the narration was excellent. Thank you