Under the Udala Trees

By Chinelo Okparanta,

Book cover of Under the Udala Trees

Book description

"Okparanta is major new voice not only because of her mesmerizing storytelling, but for her bravery and originality. She is a truth teller and soothsayer... Under the Udala Trees is breathtaking, rich with history and heart" - Tayari Jones

One day in 1968, at the height of the Biafran civil…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Under the Udala Trees as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This compelling and beautifully written story begins in 1968 during the Biafran civil war in Nigeria, creating a unique setting of hardship, hunger, and death afflicting the people living in the area. Ijeoma, the 11-year-old protagonist, is sent away after a life-changing event and lives in a squalid hut when a young girl from another tribe comes to stay. Despite the difficulties surrounding them, the girls fall in love and the intensity of their desire continues as they grow. I enjoyed how Okparanta writes of the naturalness of this first love and how they cared for each other. Though the…

Want books like Under the Udala Trees?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Under the Udala Trees.

Browse books like Under the Udala Trees

Book cover of On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous
Book cover of Last Night at the Telegraph Club
Book cover of Juliet Takes a Breath

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,206

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in Nigeria, LGBTQ+ topics and characters, and gay topics and characters?

Nigeria 68 books