Reviewed By Faith Patrick
The novel A Future in Chains is set in the village of Ayam. Women here are expected to follow traditional rules. The story is about Nkowo, a woman who fights against bad customs in her village.
I don’t usually read fiction books, but I found this one interesting. It’s good to see a male author writing about the problems women face.
Nkowo is a strong woman. She doesn’t give up on her kids or marry again after her husband dies. Some women might leave their kids and start a new life in the city. But Nkowo takes her daughters with her and starts fresh.
Nkowo’s story teaches us that we don’t need a man to succeed. We can achieve our goals on our own. I felt sad when Nkowo visited the city with hope of staying with Mrs Helena, but reaching there she found out that Mrs Helena died few months ago in a fire outbreak. Mrs Helena was a kind midwife.
Mama Chidi is another kind woman in the story. She helps Nkowo and her daughters. We should all be lucky to meet someone like Mama Chidi in our time of need.
I hope this book is made into a movie. I want to see what Nkowo looks like.
Key Characters
- Mr. Ekpendo: I chose Mr. Ekpendo because his character highlights the importance of education. He regrets not attending school and wants his children to prioritize education. This shows how education can impact one’s life and the lives of those around them.
- Effiong: Effiong is a key character because his death sets off a chain of events that changes the story. His passing leaves Nkowo and their children vulnerable, making it harder for them to survive in a society with strict traditions.
- Ukafia: Ukafia’s character represents greed and the exploitation of women. He tries to marry Nkowo to gain control over her husband’s land, showing how some men use tradition to take advantage of women.
- Nkowo: Nkowo is the heart of the story. She’s a strong and brave woman who defies tradition by refusing to marry Ukafia, even when faced with a curse. Her courage inspires others and challenges the societal norms.
- The Native Doctor: The Native Doctor’s character serves as a symbol of tradition and superstition. His curse on Nkowo doesn’t work, showing that faith and determination can overcome fear and superstition. This highlights the tension between tradition and individual freedom.
Key Chapters.
Chapter 1, is all about Mr. Ekpendo my key man, he is a wealthy farmer in the village. He was eager to know what his children want to be when they grow up and shares his regret about not attending school. Mr. Ekpendo values education and hopes his children will prioritize it. However, he fails to guide his younger son, Ukafia, who prefers farming over education, dreaming of becoming rich like his father. On the other hand, Effiong, the elder son, focuses on his education. This chapter highlights the impact of parents’ decisions on their children’s futures.
In Chapter 10, we see Effiong and Nkowo as a loving couple. Effiong has graduated as a doctor and works in a hospital. Nkowo warns him not to travel due to a disturbing dream, but Effiong ignores her advice. Unfortunately, he dies in a car accident during the trip. This event drastically changes everything for Nkowo and their two daughters. I found this chapter emotional, as it reminds us of the pain caused by not listening to loved ones who care for us.
Chapter 12 shifts the focus to Ukafia. After Effiong’s death, the village elders, led by Obong Ayam, instruct Nkowo to marry Ukafia to keep the family property within the household. Ukafia sees this as an opportunity to gain control over Effiong’s land. His greed and unwillingness to value education make him a frustrating character. This chapter made me think about how some traditions exploit others, especially women, and why such customs should be questioned.
In Chapter 14, Nkowo showcases her courage by refusing to marry Ukafia, despite the traditional chief priest’s curse. He claims she will die within a year, but Nkowo stands firm. As a result, Nkowo and her daughters are forced to leave the village. Her strength in defying these customs is inspiring. This part of the story reminded me of the sacrifices women make to protect their children and fight for their freedom.
Finally, in Chapter 18, the traditional chief priest’s curse fails. Nkowo survives beyond the predicted year, proving that faith and determination can overcome fear and superstition. This chapter demonstrates that it’s possible to break free from harmful traditions.
A Future in Chains is a book about the problems women face in traditional villages. It’s about following rules and being free to make your own choices. The characters in the book are well-developed. The writing is clear and easy to understand.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
