The title of my debut literary novel – Egg-Larva-Pupa-Woman – is causing quite a stir. Some love it, some hate it, some are not so sure about it. I’ve never been the kind of writer who shies away from controversy, who takes the path of least resistance. However, I understand that everyone sees life through a different lens so the least I can do is explain what inspired the curious choice.
“Egg-Larva-Pupa-Woman juxtaposes the history of Nigeria from 1950 – 1999 alongside the story of Nkiru – a privileged young girl who metamorphosises into a woman of courage when mysterious circumstances befall her family.”
The title, Egg-Larva-Pupa-Woman, came to me whilst observing the unusual way butterflies metamorphose from slime you wouldn’t look at twice to delightful creatures welcomed everywhere with open hands. It occurred to me in an ‘oho moment’ that most people are butterflies in their own right – they aren’t born rich, poised and intelligent, but rather evolve over a period of time.
Although the changes in people can appear somewhat drastic, there is no such thing as an ‘overnight success’. Little by little, day by day, change was at work behind the scenes. Painfully we all push past barriers of internal resistance and external angst, slowly we learn to kick our baggage to the kerb, spread our wings and soar defiantly over seemingly insurmountable odds.
It is this indomitable spirit that I sought to convey through the title – Egg-Larva-Pupa-Woman – as well as through the story itself which is an intimate portrait of a woman who defies all odds economically, emotionally and socially… a woman who is sculpted, by the unpleasant circumstances of life, into a breathing work of art.
Egg-Larva-Pupa-Woman: Debut Literary Novel
The protagonist, Nkiruka (whose Igbo name means ‘the future is supreme’) represents the African woman, the universal woman (and since womanhood is the vessel of life), people of all races, sexes and persuasions too. We live in times that challenge us economically, emotionally and socially so I wanted to emphasise the importance of grit and grace even in the face of adversity. Egg-Larva-Pupa-Woman is about defying all odds through hope and inspired action, the sacredness of family and the triumph of love over fear.
“Egg-Larva-Pupa-Woman is unique because it speaks to the collective yearning of the black community yet tackles universal themes like love, loss, forgiveness, entrepreneurship and woman empowerment, reminding people of all races that they too can defy the odds with faith and inspired action.“
To some extent, all fiction is inspired by fact and mine is no exception. The protagonist’s life story is juxtaposed by historical events (for instance she becomes financially independent at the same time Nigeria secures independence from her colonial rulers and faces marital turbulence during the tumultuous Nigerian civil war era). The hopes and yearnings of the characters (for love and freedom in essence) are those of Africans, and indeed people of all races, in this day and age.
Whilst this story isn’t autobiographical, I have drawn from some of my own life struggles. Like leaving my motherland for a country where I had neither family nor friends. Navigating a foreign culture and striving to integrate seamlessly whilst maintaining the qualities that make me ‘exotic’. Abandoning the safety of paid employment for the winding road of purpose. Learning to forgive and live without regret. Fighting for the right to tell this story. I could go on…
Writing this novel was an emotional rollercoaster – there were times when I sat hunched over the keyboard typing at lightning speed for hours at a stretch, times when I laughed out loud to myself, times when I had to literarily squeeze the words out ‘like hard shit’ (quoting a character in the book!) and when it was all done, I felt an unsettling hollowness as a result of being thrust from this welcoming world I’d created.
It is this same world I invite you to enter into with an open mind. However, I must warn that Egg-Larva-Pupa-Woman is not for the faint of heart. It is a story that will break your heart, a story you won’t forget in a hurry. What are the odds in your own life? What die-hard battles have you fought? What issues are you grappling with – still? If it’s any comfort, Egg-Larva-Pupa-Woman is also a love story, a story of hope, destined to inspire and empower you to defy the odds in your own life – whatever they may be.
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Egg-Larva-Pupa-Woman is currently available via the author’s website as well as leading online bookstores like amazon and barnesandnoble.
Egg-Larva-Pupa-Woman
Ogo Akubue-Ogbata
Priceless Books
Literary Fiction: £9.99 UK; ISBN 978-0-9560142-6-9
On sale from October 1st, 2009
www.ogoogbata.com/bookstore
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow, the novel sounds very interesting. It’s a great idea to use the butterfly metamorphosis in comparison to the changes we go through in our lives. All phases are important in order that we may achieve our goals. Looking foward to reading Egg-Larva-Pupa-Woman.
Such stories are really important nowadays. Our daily struggles are really everyone’s struggles. Inspiring stories like this one are always welcome. Well done!
Thank you both for your kind comments.
Reading this article made me really curious about somethings O.G. Where are you originally from? Was Nkiruka born in the same place you were? I like it when authors put real situations they’ve been through into their stories.
Great blog, I’m lovin’ it!
Thanks, Jared.
I’m from Enugu State, Nigeria (same as Nkiru, the lead character in my novel).
Where are you from originally and what sort of books/novels do you enjoy reading?
Hello I just saw your interview on SKY TV. Wow! You came across as confident, articulate, graceful, and most of all someone who can really inspire people. I’m sure that you will go far. You’ve got an international air about you and our country, Nigeria, needs more people like you! Well done.
Thanks for your kind words, Michael! Do you live in the UK? How did you discover the programme?
Hi there! Congratulations on your new book. I haven’t ordered it yet but it sure sounds awesome. The historical angle is also very successful at the mo. More power to you!
Hello, what a title… That’s enough to get anyone interested! Congratulations on your book. Its good that you have created a character that will empower women.
Hello! First of all great book. And I’m just curious, the character sounds a little bit like you so… Did you also base the protagonist on yourself?
-Sab
Thanks for all your kind comments, guys!
I didn’t base the protagonist on myself. However, whilst writing her life story, I explored themes that also resonate with me. Nkiru is indeed a strong, fully developed and utterly lovable character.
But don’t take my word for it…
Interesting book it seems… I really like to read stories about women’s struggle for survival, the successes gained by ‘defying all the odds’ and the mistakes made along the way. I will surely check on this one.
Hi, are you thinking or planning of writing a success story from a man’s perspective too? If so then who will your inspiration be for that one? Actually this book (egg-larva-pupa-woman) sounds interesting. I will grab a copy from amazon. Keep up the good work.
Writing another book from a male’s perspective is unnecessary! As far as I can see, it is now in the minds of people that men are strong and empowered enough already. We need more books to inspire women because most of the time, women are being discouraged when they shouldn’t be…
I want to thank the blogger very much not only for this post but also for all the previous efforts. I found ogoogbata.com to be very interesting. I will be coming back for more information.
@ Suma: Thanks a lot.
@ Adela: Watch this space and go grab your copy.
@ Nakchura: I hear you. Men need inspiration too though!
@ Payday: Much obliged…