The Bride Price

Buchi Emecheta (1944 to 2017), born Florence Onyebuchi Emecheta, was a Nigerian writer recognized for her novels, plays, and autobiographies. She is most famous for her 1974 novel Second Class Citizen and other works such as The Slave Girl and The Joys of Motherhood. Her literary contributions often examine the search for dignity, self-confidence, and first-class citizenship for women in Nigerian society.

Published in 1976, The Bride Price explores the conflict between traditional Ibo customs in a small Nigerian village and the influence of European colonizers. The narrative is told through the perspective of a young girl named Aku-nna and follows her relationship with Chike, the son of a prosperous former slave. The story depicts their attempts to find happiness despite the restrictions of tribal life.

The novel employs a feminist sensibility to highlight the plight of African women during periods of cultural transition. Emecheta uses the tradition of the bride price as both a literal and symbolic representation of women's submission to men. According to eNotes, the author utilizes foreshadowing as a literary device to hint at future themes and events.

Critical reception of the work has highlighted its authenticity. Writing for The Observer, Anthony Thwaite described Emecheta as an unstrivingly poignant writer who utilizes plain narrative authenticity and a strong feeling for character to convey her story.