Under the Udala Trees - by Chinelo Okparanta (Paperback)

Under the Udala Trees is a powerful and heartbreaking coming-of-age debut novel that explores the dangers of living and loving openly in a young republic of Nigeria torn apart by civil war.

Inspired by Nigerian folktales and war, Chinelo Okparanta shows us how the struggles and divisions of a nation are inscribed on the souls of its citizens.

The story follows Ijeoma, who comes of age during the war, as she falls in love with another displaced child from different ethnic communities, only to discover that their love is forbidden and must be hidden at all costs.

This beautifully written novel is a commentary on identity, prejudice, and the cost of living inside a lie.

With graceful and precise prose, Okparanta weaves a tale of star-crossed lovers who must confront the harsh realities of their world and the secrets that can destroy them.

Don't miss this important and timely read that demands to be felt.