Lead Review (Cursed Daughters)
- Book: Cursed Daughters
- Location: Lagos
- Author: Oyinkan Braithwaite
Long-standing curses – a tale of modernity versus tradition
Oyinkan Braithwaite’s new novel, Cursed Daughters, is set in Lagos, Nigeria and is a richly layered, emotionally resonant tale that blends generational trauma, cultural superstition and the pursuit of autonomy into a compelling story. Following her hit My Sister, the Serial Killer, Braithwaite returns with a story that is both haunting and humorous, tragic and triumphant.
The novel centres on the Falodin family, in which all the women are believed to be cursed—doomed to suffer heartbreak and failed relationships due to a transgression committed generations before. The curse is chillingly specific: “Your daughters are cursed—they will pursue men, but the men will be like water in their palms”.
The story begins with Monife (known as Mo), a 25-year-old woman who dies by suicide after a romantic disappointment. On the day of her funeral, her cousin Ebun gives birth to Eniiyi, a child who bears an uncanny resemblance to Mo. As Eniiyi grows, the family becomes convinced she is Monife reincarnated, and the weight of this belief shapes her identity and choices.
The story explores themes of fate versus freedom of choice, the burden of family expectations, and the disconnect between a modern way of thinking and traditionally held values and beliefs. The narrative spans decades and is told through the alternating voices of Monife, Ebun and Eniiyi, offering a multifaceted view of how women navigate inherited trauma and societal pressures.
Despite its dark principle, the novel is soaked with wit and sharp social commentary. It’s a brilliant cocktail of modernity and superstition, vibrant humour and hard-won wisdom, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Baby Eniiyi’s journey is particularly compelling. As she matures, she grapples with the expectations placed upon her and ultimately seeks to break free from the cycle of pain that has plagued those who came before her, particularly the women in her family. Her evolution into a bold, independent woman is both satisfying and inspiring.
The writing is vivid and emotionally nuanced, and the novel’s structure—jumping between timelines and perspectives—keeps the reader engaged throughout, although you do need to concentrate to fully follow the storyline.
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