The Joys of Motherhood

Set in Nigeria and spanning the years around the Second World War, The Joys of Motherhood follows the life of Nnu Ego. After facing hardship and rejection when unable to bear children in her initial marriage, she travels to colonial Lagos. There she eventually realises her dream of having children, but finds that raising a family in a fast-changing urban society brings severe unexpected burdens.

As economic strains mount and traditional community support fractures, Nnu Ego faces the immense personal toll demanded of mothers who sacrifice everything for their children. Part of the African Writers Series Classics, Buchi Emecheta's celebrated novel examines the expectations placed on women within family structures and changing cultural values. It remains an essential work of modern African literature for secondary students, university literature classes, and general readers.