Review of Second-Class Citizen by Buchi Emecheta
INTRODUCTION
Second-Class Citizen is a semi-autobiographical novel written by Nigerian author Buchi Emecheta and published in 1974. The novel consist of 174 pages, 13 chapters and published by George Braziller in the UK and it's sold at twenty one thousand and twenty five naira($14) on Amazon. The novel explores the themes of gender inequality, racism, migration, marriage, and identity through the experiences of its protagonist, Adah Obi. Set in Nigeria and later in England, the novel presents the struggles of an African woman determined to overcome social, cultural, and racial barriers in order to achieve self-fulfilment.
REVIEW
The story follows the life of Adah Obi, a Nigerian girl born into a society that places higher value on male children than female children. From an early age, Adah is denied opportunities because of her gender, especially in education. Despite these limitations, she remains determined to educate herself and improve her life. Her desire for progress leads her into marriage with Francis, whom she believes will support her ambitions and help her achieve stability. Adah later travels to England with her husband, hoping for better opportunities and a more equal society. However, her expectations are quickly shattered as she experiences racism, poverty, and social exclusion. She discovers that Black immigrants are treated as inferior and denied basic opportunities such as decent housing and employment. In England, Adah realizes that she is regarded as a “second-class citizen,” not only because she is a woman but also because she is Black. This double marginalization forms one of the central messages of the novel.
Marriage in Second-Class Citizen is portrayed as a major source of oppression for women. Francis becomes increasingly insecure and hostile toward Adah as she grows more independent and ambitious. Rather than supporting her dreams, he feels threatened by her education and determination. His abusive behaviour highlights the damaging effects of patriarchy within the family. Through this relationship, Emecheta criticizes cultural norms that encourage male dominance while suppressing women’s voices and potential. Despite the many hardships she faces, Adah remains resilient and determined. She continues to work hard, care for her children, and pursue her dream of becoming a writer. Her refusal to give up, even in the face of emotional and physical abuse, shows her inner strength and courage. Adah’s character represents the struggles of many women who must fight against both societal expectations and personal limitations in order to succeed.
One of the strengths of the novel is its simple and direct language, which makes the story emotionally powerful and easy to understand. Emecheta’s realistic portrayal of suffering adds authenticity to the narrative. The autobiographical influence of the novel allows readers to connect deeply with Adah’s experiences. Although the novel contains many painful moments, it ultimately conveys hope by emphasizing self-realization, independence, and perseverance.
In conclusion, Second-Class Citizen is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that highlights the challenges faced by women and immigrants in a patriarchal and racist society. Through the life of Adah Obi, Buchi Emecheta exposes social injustice while promoting resilience and self-worth. The novel remains relevant and meaningful, serving as an important contribution to African literature and feminist writing.
