Book Review, Every Woman in This Village is a Liar by Ndifreke Ukpong

Woman in This Village is a Liar” by Ndifreke Ukpong is a really engaging novel that explores the struggles of the women in Osom Village. They face a lot of challenges, and their strength is put to the test.

Firstly, they dealt a harsh blow when they were barred from the weekly market. The Chief Priest’s instruction, made on behalf of the king, was clear, if the king’s son was to return home safely, the women would have to stay away from the market. This was devastating news for the women, who relied on the market to support their families. With the market only taking place once a week, they were left wondering how they would make ends meet.

Secondly, to make matters worse, their husbands and sons were sent on a dangerous journey to the feared evil forest. The evil forest was a place of great danger, and the thought of loved ones being taken away was unbearable. The women were left to worry about the safety of their family members, and the uncertainty of their return. It was a difficult time for the women, who were already struggling to cope with the loss of their livelihoods.

As I read about the women’s struggles, I couldn’t help but wonder, would their husbands and sons perish because of one’s man actions? The king’s demand for his son’s safe return had set off a chain of events that put the entire village at risk. The women were left to bear the brunt of the king’s decision, and it was a heavy burden to carry.

Things get even worse when the king dies, and the women are wrongly accused of his murder. They’re already dealing with a lot of pain and uncertainty, and now they’re faced with hostility and suspicion. The prince, who they thought would help them, calls them liars, which is a huge betrayal.

Ndifreke Ukpong’s novel explores themes of trust, loyalty, and how far people will go to keep their secrets. Despite being a young author, Ukpong shows a lot of wisdom in weaving a story that challenges societal norms and shows how complicated life can be. The final chapter has some surprising twists that make you rethink your assumptions and leave you thinking about the nature of truth and lies.

Overall, “Every Woman in This Village is a Liar” is a great book that showcases the strength of the women in Osom Village. It’s a testament to their resilience and invites readers to question their beliefs, think for themselves, and appreciate the power of storytelling.

I would give this novel ★★★★✩ 4/5 stars. It’s a fantastic read, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good story with strong female characters and a plot that keeps you guessing until the end. The only thing that keeps me from giving it a full 5 stars is that some of the supporting characters feel a bit one-dimensional at times, but this is a minor quibble in an otherwise excellent novel.