Love and Sexuality

The novel illustrates and dramatizes same-sex relationships in order to emphasize their validity, as the novel frames same-sex relationships in a context of universal beauty along with other positive relationships. Ijeoma’s relationships with Amina and Ndidi are portrayed with a sense of the deep fulfillment and happiness that they provide to the participants in the relationships. At one point, Ijeoma reflects on her experiences of love with this line of narration: “Maybe love was some combination of friendship and infatuation. A deeply felt affection accompanied by a certain sort of awe. And by gratitude. And by a desire for a lifetime of togetherness” (150). These statements frame Ijeoma’s relationships in a sense of universal and profound beauty, for the fulfillment that Ijeoma attains in these relationships is as valid and redeeming as fulfillment attained in any other romantic relationship.

The narrative further develops...