The Travails of Omotejomo and Trophy Husband, Romance Novels by Ejiro Joyce Otive-Igbuzor: A Review
By
James Ugochukwu Okpe
Human and Gender Equality Advocate
Executive Director
African Centre for Entrepreneurship and Information Development-ACEIDEV
I have not read a book page to page for a long time till I attended the book launch of the duo masterpieces, “The Travails of Omotejomo and Trophy Husband” by Ejiro Joyce Otive-Igbuzor.
She brought to fore and poured her experiences as a mother, mentor of many young women and gender parity advocate, the challenges faced by the female gender in a patriarchal society. Through compelling story telling skills and word smithing she brought to life the optimism that being a female does not constitute a barrier to achieving one’s aims in life.
The Travails of Omotejomo
Reading Ejiro Joyce Otive-Igbuzor's novel "The Travails of Omotejomo" was nothing short of an emotional journey that touched my heart in ways I hadn't anticipated. The novel's powerful narrative brilliantly depicts the struggles and triumphs against all odds of Jomo, a brave young girl born into a culture where female children are undervalued compared to their male counterparts.
From the very beginning, I was drawn into Jomo's world, feeling a deep sense of empathy for the loss of her virginity in her quest to meet the deadline for the registration of West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC). Her innocence and determination to pursue her dream were exploited by the very person that ought to guard and protect her, her school teacher, Mr. Jacob. Ejiro Joyce Otive-Igbuzor, here painted in detailed description, sexual exploitations young girls are capable of facing in learning institution.
Jomo continues to face a society that sought to limit her potential based on her gender. Her refusal to accept an early forced marriage to Mazi Ibe, a man old enough to be her father and her determination to pursue her dream of becoming a medical doctor showcased her unwavering spirit and strength of character.
One of the most poignant aspects of the novel was Jomo's journey to the city of Ibadan to pursue her dreams, with the loving support of her maternal aunt, auntie Kohwo. This part of the story beautifully captured the complexities of leaving home and venturing into the unknown in pursuit of one's aspirations. As a reader, I found myself rooting for Jomo, hoping she would find the success and happiness she so rightly deserved under Dr. Ufuoma, younger sister to Ochuko the husband of Auntie Kohwo.
Ejiro’s introduction of Tega, Jomo's loving and protective boyfriend, added a tender layer to the novel. Tega's untiring support and dedication to shielding her from harm highlighted the true essence of love and the power of standing by someone through thick and thin. Their relationship became the emotional anchor of the story, and their love story will resonate deeply with many readers.
However, the novel took a harrowing turn when Jomo fell victim to the despicable actions of Kola Kadiri, a.k.a KK, who took advantage of her vulnerability. Ejiro brought to bear her feminist advocacy here to fearlessly delve into the sensitive subject of sexual assault, date rape and drugging for sex, another challenge young girls are confronted with frequently, addressing it with sensitivity and authenticity. Jomo's strength and resilience in the face of such traumatic experience showcased the power of healing and the importance of a support system. The bulk of her support came from Tega, a victim of boy-child rape, having being raped by his nanny at a tender age of eight years.
As the story unfolded, Jomo's journey towards becoming a medical doctor and the challenges she overcame made her transformation even more inspiring. The depth of character development was commendable, and I found myself emotionally invested in her growth and triumphs.
"The Travails of Omotejomo" is a testament to the endurance of love and the strength of the human spirit. Jomo and Tega's eventual marriage and graduation as medical doctors painted a beautiful picture of love prevailing over adversity and dreams coming true despite all odds.
In conclusion, Ejiro Joyce Otive-Igbuzor has crafted a touching and heartrending tale of resilience and love in "The Travails of Omotejomo." The novel beautifully navigates sensitive themes while highlighting the power of determination and the importance of firm support from loved ones. This is a novel that will stay with me for a long time, serving as a reminder of the strength that lies within us to overcome life's trials and embrace the power of love and self-discovery.
"Trophy Husband" a captivating romance piece that weaves a tale of heartbreak, betrayal, and the indomitable spirit of a young Nigerian woman named Isio. Set against the backdrop of Nigeria and London, this novel takes readers on a rollercoaster of emotions as Isio navigates the treacherous waters of love, deception, and self-discovery. Ejiro Joyce Otive-Igbuzor showcased her versatility of native and foreign culture of Uhrobo tribe in Nigeria and metropolitan culture of the English people in London England.
At the heart of the story lies Isio, whose life is shattered by the heartbreak caused by her unfaithful partner, Dafe, who betrayed her with her own best friend, Afoke. The pain of this betrayal is palpable and sets Isio on a quest for retaliation and healing.
In a bold move, Isio opts for an arranged marriage with Okeme, the charming and supposedly wealthy heir-apparent to the Irikefe dynasty, through his influential mother, Mama London. Despite knowing very little about Okeme, Isio embarks on a journey to faraway London, fueled by hope and determination to find a new beginning.
However, upon meeting Okeme in London, Isio is confronted with yet another shocking revelation - he has a live-in lover, Elena. To protect her own interests and preserve the illusion of being Okeme's cousin, Isio resorts to deceit. This adds layers of complexity to the story, as Isio grapples with her emotions and the desire for a genuine connection.
Ejiro skillfully delves into the clash of cultures and traditions, highlighting the struggles faced by Isio in her new environment. Her experiences in London mirror the challenges many individuals encounter while trying to adapt to a foreign country and its norms. Most millennial with “Jappa syndrome” mentality have the illusion that the streets of western countries are paved with gold, and everything work with a flip of the fingers.
Amidst the trials and tribulations, Isio encounters Madam Bose, a sex trafficker, who nearly lures her into prostitution. This dark encounter serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by vulnerable individuals in foreign lands. As a mentor of many young ladies in her Gals Hangout group, I am sure she has had course to guide young ladies to weigh their option explicitly before falling to the allure of jappa syndrome and landing themselves in more complex trouble than they are running from.
Throughout her journey, Isio finds solace in the company of Maxwell, a Scott and church member who develop feelings for her. Their blossoming relationship adds a touch of warmth and tenderness to the story, as they navigate the complexities of love and the heart's desires.
The strength and resilience exhibited by Isio in fighting against all odds to build a life with Okeme are commendable. As a metaphor for many young women and their struggles in the dating game, Isio's character resonates with readers on a deeply emotional level.
Ejiro Joyce Otive-Igbuzor's storytelling prowess shines through in "Trophy Husband," crafting well-rounded characters and a captivating plot. However, some aspects of the narrative could have been further developed, such as the backstories of secondary characters like Elena and Madam Bose.
In conclusion, "Trophy Husband" is a compelling romance novel that explores the complexities of love and the resilience of the human spirit. Ejiro Joyce Otive-Igbuzor's portrayal of Isio's journey of revenge, self-discovery, and eventual redemption is sure to leave readers enthralled.
Believe me, when you start with the first paragraph, you will be so addicted to the stories, plots, and adrenaline pumping suspense till the last page. If caution is not applied, you may skip your lunch or dinner. It took me less than 48 hours to read these books.
“The Travails of Omotejomo and Trophy Husbands” by Ejiro Otive Igbuzor are a must-read. Having gone through them, I hereby recommend this masterpiece for parents, young adults, mentors and anyone seeking a thought-provoking and emotionally charged tale of love, romance and survival.
