The Concubine

A rare work set in colonial Africa (Nigeria in this case) that does not have a single white man in it. Kind of refreshing! We are in a small village, among other small villages, in eastern Nigeria. It is a highly traditional society, subject to traditional rules and gender roles, a place where custom is highly important. Early in the book, Inhuoma’s husband dies and what follows deals with her life in the village and her future. Ihuoma is a remarkably good (and good-looking) woman and she, as well as most of the characters in the book, is particularly well-drawn. Amadi spends a good deal of the narration on daily life and, because of the story line, more than a little time is devoted to the gods, their likes and dislikes, their powers show more and weaknesses. It also deals in a wonderfully nuanced way with the role of what are often called witch-doctors: those skilled in healing and in witchcraft (both in causing things to happen or preventing them from happening). Amadi’s writing is enjoyable enough that I look forward to reading another of his novels. Well-written, well-constructed, well worth the time. show less

This by far my favorite book by an African writer, and though I have read nearly 100 African novels, this is the only one that I have reread - 3 times!
Elechi Amadi has written many good books but this one is his masterpiece. It is lyrical, written with a profound sense of understatement that reflects the simple life of pre-colonial Africa. The simplicity of the narrative makes it all the more powerful, and a sense of tragedy grows as the reader draws inexorably closer to the end. A haunting tale.

Easily the best unpretentious romantic novel ever written. It takes you through the valleys, plains, peaks, and treacherous cliffs of love. Enjoy it:)

Part of book project. Very readable, a lot of specific anthropological/cultural details.