Daughters Who Walk This Path by Yejide Kilanko Review

Daughters who walk this path is a coming-of-age story set in Nigeria, about a young girl named Morayo who lived a happy life full of innocence until her life is turned upside down when her cousin Bros T moves in with the family. Bros T plays the part of a loving, sweet cousin until his love for his young cousin turns into sexual desire and he begins to force himself on to her. Morayo was compelled to live with the secret Bros T forced upon her until one day she reveals her secret to her family after no longer being able to suffer in silence and living in fear that Bros T might touch her younger sister. However, after revealing her secret to her parents, Morayo is plunged into a web of oppressive silence created by the adults in her community who would rather not accept the truth than face it.

I absolutely loved this book. Kilanko wrote a very relatable story for girls everywhere as it is more than a tragic story of a rape victim but yet a story of overcoming struggle. The story is relatable because it demonstrates how girls are born into a world where certain things are expected of them. In a world where your innocence can be stolen from you but you will be blamed.

In addition, I absolutely loved Aunt Morenike who essentially becomes somewhat of a mentor and second mother for Morayo. After revealing to her parents about the rape, Morayo’s mother becomes distant as she is unaware of how to handle the news plus she feels guilty for not recognizing what was going as well as being the one to advocate for Bros T to stay with them. Thus, I was very elated when Aunt Morenike entered the story because the loneliness Morayo was facing shouldn’t happen to anyone who has experienced something tragic especially a young girl. Aunt Morenike was the perfect component to the story seeing how she once stood in Morayo shoes. She completely understood the feelings and emotions that Morayo was facing and was able to help her overcome it in small steps.

After emerging myself in the world Kilanko created with her well written characters, who had superb character development I felt sad to end the journey. We see a family come together and a women begin to accept the trauma she’s lived with and suffered in silence with for years. The story was heartfelt and guaranteed to make you drop a few tears. I’m definitely interested in reading more of Kilanko work and suggest you check it out as well.