The Nigerwife: A Novel

"Some of us aren't meant for happiness," Claudine reflected.

Convoluted, aggravating in the way the author intended, complex, deep into foreshadowing. This book will keep haunting you as it keeps lingering in your mind.

Penny is not a good luck penny. I found her to be the most annoying and obnoxious . Abby is the most level headed. Nicole is just surviving but not living. With her life’s past, she’s just looking to belong and truly fit in. She has a complex with Claudine. Claudine is supposed to be the tough one. The “DFWM” attitude but reality, she’s just as lost as everyone’s. Nobody is 100% truthful. It’s all a façade.

Question is, Will you be able to sink or swim in this type of cesspool?
Triggers⚠️: violence, social class, and misogyny.


Quick note: I can totally imagine a sequel to this novel.

💍 The Nigerwife by Vanessa Walters *Hums old negro spiritual “Sooon willl be done, the troubles of theeee world…” 💍 I’ll start by saying that the author is absolutely gorgeous in her cover photo, and I love the blue of the book cover. It’s so soothing, and rich. Beautiful cover. 💍 Nicole has went missing, and none of her in-laws seem to care, nor does her husband. Her aunt is compelled to travel to Nigeria to play detective. 💍 Upon her aunt’s arrival, she learns of the intricate details of her nieces life and her involvement with the Niger Wives who have been her “support system” while in Nigeria. 💍 What unfolds next is a melee of lies and deception, family trauma, and adultry. Then the truth about what happened to Nicole is revealed. 💍I truly struggled to finish this one and honestly had it not been for this group holding me accountable, and Donna Johnson sending threatening emails, I would have laid this book right on in the box at the back of my closet with Queenie. 💍I think YA is probably more the author’s niche and I do wish her much success. This story just lacked the elements of a thriller, and I had no moments where I was excited about anything that has happen. I feel like an a$$hole because I hate not liking books, but here we are… Reviewed by Fallon Vaughn TBGR moderated 2023 #thisbrownegirlreads #tbgrbookclub

Content warning for violence, death, interpersonal violence, domestic abuse, murder, off-page child sexual assault, threats of violence, and related topics. I enjoyed this book, but it didn't live up to all of my expectations. I liked the dual POV of Nicole and her aunt, I thought it was well done and didn't reveal the whole plot of the novel. I was surprised by the mystery, but looking back I can see the clues. I wanted to spend more time with the Nigerwives, I thought it was the most interesting part of the novel. On an individual basis, I wasn't a huge fan of the characters, they all felt a little cut and dry for me (except Claudine, she surprised me). I also could have done with quicker pacing in the first half of the book. A fun read, but not my favorite ever.

I found this book to be interesting, coming from 2 narratives. I read this in a week, didn’t want it put it down. Not the ending I was expecting especially with the opening written the way it was. Highly recommend