Overview
Repeating a family story often enough can transform it into a legend—or a curse. This theme resonates throughout *Cursed Daughters*, where the Falodun family shares tales of heartbroken women unable to keep their partners. Each generation seems ensnared in the same tragic narrative. From Fikayo, whose husband leaves her due to her chronic illness, to Afoke, who becomes involved with her younger sister’s boyfriend, the pattern persists. The matriarch, Feranmi, holds her own sorrow, having faced a curse from the first wife of the married man she became pregnant by. These stories echo through time, almost haunting the novel itself.
Why It Matters
Nigerian-British author Oyinkan Braithwaite made her mark in 2018 with *My Sister, the Serial Killer*, a gripping exploration of sisterhood and jealousy. In her second novel, *Cursed Daughters*, she pivots from true crime to a more atmospheric narrative steeped in supernatural elements. Yet, at its core, the novel examines the dark secrets that interweave the lives of the Falodun women. The Falodun curse looms over the three main characters—Monife, Ebun, and Eniiyi—as they navigate love and the spectral forces that seem to bind their family.
The Characters and Their Stories
Set in 1994, the story follows 19-year-old Monife as she meets the seemingly perfect Kalu, whom she lovingly nicknames “Golden Boy.” Monife believes he is the antidote to her family’s curse, convinced their love will endure. However, foreboding undercurrents hint at their tragic fate. The novel opens in 2000, with Monife’s heartbreaking decision to end her life at a beach, casting a long shadow over her family.
Monife’s tragic end reverberates in the lives of her cousin Ebun and her daughter Eniiyi. On the day of Monife’s funeral, Ebun gives birth to a daughter, ominously resembling Monife in both looks and actions. Fast forward 24 years, Eniiyi encounters Zubby, a light-skinned boy she rescues from drowning. Their instantaneous connection hints at something otherworldly, and Eniiyi is plagued by visions of Monife, leading her to question her own identity as a potential reincarnation of her late aunt.
Narrative Structure and Themes
Braithwaite skillfully intertwines the stories of these three women, allowing the narrative to flow gracefully even as it shifts through time. However, despite the spanning decades, the novel feels somewhat static and claustrophobic at times. Much of the focus is on the eerie similarities between Monife and Eniiyi, such as matching scars and relationship dynamics, reinforcing the idea that the family is indeed cursed. Eniiyi, an aspiring genetic counselor, ponders the notion of epigenetic trauma as a potential explanation for their suffering.
Yet, her reflections touch on a deeper truth: the true curse may lie in the Falodun women’s struggle to confront their past. After Monife’s death, her room remains untouched, marred only by water damage—a powerful symbol of unprocessed grief. The lingering trauma of her mother’s inability to move on from her ex-husband and Monife’s fear of abandonment highlight how emotional legacies shape familial relationships. These aspects warrant further exploration in this intricate tale of intergenerational pain.
Key Takeaways
- *Cursed Daughters* delves into the themes of familial curses, unprocessed grief, and intergenerational trauma.
- Oyinkan Braithwaite’s narrative style interweaves the stories of Monife, Ebun, and Eniiyi, exploring their haunting connections.
- The novel invites readers to reflect on how one’s history can shape their identity and relational dynamics, presenting a poignant look at women’s experiences within a shared legacy.
Final Thoughts
In *Cursed Daughters*, Oyinkan Braithwaite offers a haunting exploration of the complexities of family and the weight of unspoken truths. While the supernatural elements provide an intriguing backdrop, the most compelling aspect remains the emotional legacies that define the Falodun women. It’s a powerful reminder that understanding our past may be the first step in breaking free from its constraints.
