Book Review: Chris Abani’s Becoming Abigail

Posted September 17, 2011 by Kathy Davie in Book Reviews

I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Book Review: Chris Abani’s Becoming Abigail

Becoming Abigail


by

Chris Abani


biography in a paperback edition that was published by Akashic Books on March 15, 2006 and has 120 pages.

Explore it on Goodreads or Amazon


A brief, but in-depth look inside the life of a young Igbo girl from her beginning in Nigeria to her end in London.

My Take

Gawd. Makes you wonder if there is one. A God, that is.

Born even as her mother, the original Abigail, died, Abigail is torn between being her mother and being herself.

Abani helps us see how Abigail’s life has taught her to see herself and the people who surround her. She’s a survivor constantly fighting against those who would use her. Until she realizes that, when she does make a choice, others fight against her.

The Cover and Title

The cover is of Abigail partially kneeling on the floor, naked. She has spent years marking herself. Writing her own identity into her body.

The title is Abigail’s conflict: is she becoming her Abigail or the other Abigail.