Daughters Who Walk This Path

Daughters Who Walk This Path by Yejide Kilanko


My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Morayo and Eniayo are sisters coming of age in modern day Nigeria. They live in the bustling city of Ibadan with their traditional parents in a home filled with love, trust, and support. Eniayo's birth presents a challenge to the family dynamic. The family must decide whether to lean towards their superstitious ways or give over to unconditional love because Eniayo was born afin, an albino. They choose love. At first the new, extremely pink baby is hard for Morayo, five at the time, to accept. Soon they become inseparable. The strength and bonds of this family are well tried when a troubled cousin, Bros T, moves in. The sisters innocence is lost.

Morayo is a solid young woman surrounded by a thoughtful and encouraging family. When a family member violates her things begin to crumble. When Morayo's secret almost destroys her, her Aunt Morenike helps to bear her burden. Through sharing her own story Morenike ushers Morayo into her healing process. Morenike is the strong tower of this novel it seems as if her strength is unwavering. As Morayo matures and makes questionable relationship choices, Morenike continues to give her sound advice without judgment. During this time Eniayo is growing up as well, becoming more self confident and soon the reader forgets about her being, afin. Eniayo's character was so lovely to me. She was a light to the entire novel.

The author's writing style is gentle, caring, and insightful. This story wrapped around you. The author makes you feel apart of the family, community, culture, and sisterhood. The reader never feels like and outsider. Morayo's character depicts a complete journey of womanhood. We read as Morayo establishes lasting friendships, works her way through difficult relationships with men, and heals from sexual abuse. Through family and individuals alike Kilanko produces an in depth tale of happiness and heartbreak.

After finishing, Daughters Who Walk This Path, I am still inspired by the women young and old and the bonds they shared. Words escape me as to how to describe the "wisdom" this novel possessed. Daughters... shows the strength of a strong female community and how it empowers, molds, and shapes its daughters from the cradle to the grave. Daughters Who Walk This Path was just an all around beautiful piece of work.

A copy of this book was provided by the LibraryThing's Early Reviewers Giveaway. The views and opinions expressed are my own.


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