By Rahma O. Jimoh
The 20 insightful chapters of Behind the Doors of Fate by Nduka Alum explores the life of Adaeze – a young girl from Eastern Nigeria. Born into the misery of being the third generation of a child-marriage cycle, she saw to it that she puts an end to such tradition in her family. The untold realities of child marriage – a dreaded nightmare for young girls – are adequately addressed in the book.
Set in Lagos and Eastern Nigeria, Behind the Doors of Fate identifies child marriage as a barbaric tradition that alters the life trajectory of a girl child. In Adaeze’s case, her father saw her as the ticket to launch the family out of penury and thus, readily gave her out to a supposed rich suitor. This situation is not only a trial for the child but also for the mother, who cannot prevent her daughter from walking through the same paths she swore to protect her from.
However, contrary to Adaeze’s expectation, the child marriage she was forced into turned out to be her key to greatness in life. As the title depicts, the arranged marriage between Eddy and Adaeze was the fate changer for both characters as each of them was exactly what the other needed. Eddy, a young man who wants to give up his frivolous bachelor lifestyle by getting married, and Adaeze, his village virgin wife who is struggling to accept her new reality. Both of them find in each other the strength to navigate their shared challenges. The disappointment from being a child bride turned out to be a massive blessing in disguise.
Through Adaeze’s transition from being a 15-year-old girl in a village in Ebonyi to being a wife in Lagos, the narrative adeptly contrasts Adaeze’s life in her village with her new existence in Lagos, portraying the significant divide between rural and urban lifestyles. More importantly, we realize how realities change with the right opportunities. Adaeze, as smart as she is, would have remained a local champion and an untapped potential, had she not had access to proper education in Lagos. This portrays the role of education in achieving a well-rounded life.
Behind the Doors of Fate excellently portrays the many nuances of relationships, which form the emotional core of the novel. Adaeze’s bond with her parents is fraught with love, duty, and disappointment, especially as her father’s decision to marry her off causes a deep rift. Eddy’s friendships evolve as he adjusts into a married man’s life. The romantic relationship between Eddy and Adaeze, which was initially marked by apprehension, grew into a supportive partnership. Eddy’s family members who had a bit of a hard time accepting Adaeze ended up becoming her supporters. The book showcased the potential for love to develop in unexpected circumstances. Alum also addresses the darker aspects of relationships, like betrayals and conflict, which makes the narrative realistic.
Via Adaeze’s child marriage and the death of Eddy’s father, the book highlights how the clash between traditions, western culture, and Christianity often leads to a conflict of self-awareness and family disparities. It depicts the older generation who holds on to traditions, and the younger generation who embraces modernized way of things. In between them, the book sheds light on balancing culture and religion while still fastening family ties.
Another powerful aspect of Behind the Doors of Fate is its exploration of cultural identity and the pressures exerted by societal expectations, particularly through the character of Eddy. Assumed to be wealthy by both his father-in-law and his parents, Eddy faces pressure to maintain a façade of affluence. This reflects the societal norms that equate success with financial status.
The narrative of Behind the Doors of Fate takes an unpredictable turn as it concludes on a tragic note with Eddy falling into a coma. Eddy’s coma represents a significant moment of vulnerability and loss which casts a gloom over the progress and growth he and Adaeze have achieved together. This ending further reiterates the book’s themes of life’s unpredictability of life and fate.
Behind the Doors of Fate paints every life happenstance as learning moments. Through Edy and Adaeze experiences, Nduka Alum explores the themes of fate and free will which questions to what extent our lives are predestined versus shaped by our choices. Embodying themes of love, growth, forgiveness, change, and anger amongst others, Nduka Alum manages to pack a castle of life lessons into the novel.
Behind the Doors of Fate is rich in language, narration, and literary devices. It teaches the values of culture and traditions prominent in eastern Nigeria. The book is a great catch for everyone looking to broaden their horizon on life, family, and relationships. It is one of those books that depicts life experiences with the most interesting and engaging twists and turns that keep the reader on their toes.
Rahma O. Jimoh is a poet, storyteller and journalist with works published and forthcoming in several local and international journals and anthologies.
