Thursday, January 20, 2022

Yinka, Where is Your Huzband? - Lizzie Damilola Blackburn

Yinka, Where is Your Huzband? is Lizzie Damilola Blackburn's just released debut novel. I was going to love it from the first pages...

Huzband (pronounced auz*band)

" A nonexistent man in a nonexistent marriage whose whereabouts is often asked, usually by Nigerian mums and aunties, of single British-Nigerian women. e.g. "So, Yinka, where is your huzband? Ah, ah. You're thirty-one now!"

Yinka, Where is Your Huzband? was an absolute joy to read. Even more so with the world today. Sometimes you just need an 'escape' read - one that will take you away, make you laugh, make you nod your head in agreement or disbelief (those aunties are intense!) And I believe every reader will connect with the book through a situation or a piece of dialogue. The depiction of family, friendship, culture and community was so very well done. It's not all perfect, but instead is believable and mirrors real life.

Blackburn also explores faith, social issues and the workplace. There's a myriad of supporting characters, each with a different outlook that adds greatly to the overall story. But the book belongs to Yinka as she tries to find what's next for her in life, in love and more. And it's most definitely not a straight path.

From Operation Wedding Date to the final revelation, the reader will be behind Yinka as she looks for love - and herself. From the author's dedication page...."And to all the women who question their worth. Remember, you're always deserving of self-love..."

A wonderful debut and I look forward to Blackburn's next book.  See for yourself - read an excerpt of Yinka, Where is Your Huzband?

2 comments:

Harvee said...

This sounds delightful. Must look for it.

Luanne said...

Harvee it is delightful!