The Moonlight Bride by Buchi Emecheta (1980): A Review
Author: Buchi Emecheta
Publication Year: 1980
Pages: 77
Rating: ⭐⭐
Genre: African Literature, YA
Source: Book
Opening Sentence: The afternoon of that day was very hot and sunny.
“The Moonlight Bride” by Buchi Emecheta tells the story of two curious (aka nosey) Nigerian girls who overhear some elders making secret preparations for a marriage. Eager to be part of the ceremony, they attempt to create clay pots and lamps. Their adventure takes an interesting turn when they discover a python near their village.
This short novel explores the daily lives and traditions of the villagers through the eyes of these two teenagers. It serves as a great introduction to a different culture and its customs. Emecheta weaves the narrative around the concept of the moonlight bride, where the identities of the bride and groom remain a mystery until the last moment.
However, I found reading it to be somewhat infuriating due to the defined roles for women in that tribe and culture (check some of quotes). Don’t get me wrong; I am a strong advocate for displaying history as it was, without making it PC. Otherwise, we risk forgetting and repeating the wrongs of the past. Still, I felt a surge of anger with every sentence. Emecheta excels in her realist approach, portraying lives as they are—without embellishment or the removal of disturbing elements—and I believe this is essential for all storytelling.
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