Yejide Kilanko’s A Good Name review— tale of an arranged marriage with multiple power imbalance

Yejide Kilanko’s “A Good Name” is a compelling novel that explores traditional notions of household and family. It portrays the Nigerian immigrant experience of striving for a better life while being constrained by familial and cultural expectations. The story follows the marriage between Eziafa, a 36-year-old man based in Houston, who travels to the village to find a wife, and Zina, an 18-year-old woman who is forced into a marriage against her will.

Kilanko’s writing is both sublime and accessible, weaving together the plot and characters from Eziafa’s and Zina’s lives in Oji, as well as their friends from Houston and Zina’s job, into a poignant tale that brings both characters to life. The novel also confronts the abusive nature of their relationship, which is marked by a clear power imbalance in terms of both income and age.

Through her book, Kilanko portrays some of the negative aspects of Nigerian culture surrounding marriage, as well as the immigrant experience of seeking a better life. The story of Eziafa and Zina is relatable and offers a glimpse into the challenges faced by those who seek to break free from traditional expectations. When we meet Eziafa, he has decided to leave his non-traditional girlfriend and settle with a woman from the village due to family pressure. His intentions are implied in a not-so-subtle remark he makes to his friend, stating that “Nne has promised to find a young woman I can mold to my taste.” However, despite the power dynamic in their relationship, Zina is a force of character who builds a life for herself despite the odds.

The novel is haunting and illuminates the characters’ illusion of choice, as they are trapped by familial obligations and cultural expectations. They are autonomous, yet forced into different lives than they might have chosen. Their stories are relatable, as the choices they make perpetuate antiquated ways of thinking that lead to consequences for their lives, both big and small.

Kilanko’s book and writing are reminiscent of other tales of Nigerian life, such as Buchi Emecheta’s “Joys of Motherhood,” Mariama Ba’s “So Long a Letter,” and Chimamanda Adichie’s “Purple Hibiscus.” It portrays a relatable aspect of Nigerian life and builds an emotionally complex tale from two characters, their interests, and their goals, allowing the reader to truly experience their journey.

Rating: 4.5/5 — You should get yourself a copy

P.S If you liked this, you might enjoy a review of Someday Maybe by Onyi Nwabinelli