UPDATE:
It has been brought to my attention that Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has been quoted as saying that trans women are not women. Adichie went on to try and clarify her comments. You can read about the incident here.
I just wanted to be very clear that I fully support all of my trans and non-binary siblings.
Dear Ijeawele by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a book that I wish I’d had in my life a long time ago.
Whilst not technically a children’s book, I decided to include this on The Inquisitive Newt for two reasons.
Firstly, because I wish I had read this during my teenage years, when I was stumbling into my initial romantic relationships. I feel that having reasonable expectations, printed in black and white, would have given me permission to advocate for myself and my rights within the ‘partnerships’ more. I plan to give a copy to Daughter when puberty takes hold.
Secondly, I included it because I would have loved to read it after having given birth. I came to a lot of the conclusions myself, but I often felt alone in my convictions regarding feminism and motherhood. Ironically, given that I’ve categorised this review as my first ‘parenting’ title, I especially loved the section regarding the use of ‘parenting’ as a verb.
I really love the tone of the text – that it was adapted from a letter gives it an enormous warmth and immediacy. I’ve read a lot of books about feminism but they can often feel… Academic, rather than practical. This one felt like a conversation with a friend, which I suppose it is.
Are there any books you wish you had come across sooner? Are there any you plan to read/gift to your children for this reason?
Farn ❤
THE INQUISITIVE NEWT 