Questions for Ada

“The woman

carried herself

 like God

worshipped her body.

 

Even the devil 

will pray for forgiveness 

at the holy sight of her.”

                    Excerpt from Questions for Ada by Ijeoma Umebinyuo

Questions for Ada was one book that had been on my TBR list for the longest time and when I finally got around to reading it, I nearly knocked myself for waiting so long.

Questions for Ada is a collection of short poems written by Ijeoma Umebinyuo in 2015. Her words are full of strength, vulnerability, passion, and pride as she tells the stories and experiences of Nigerian women; their hope, loss, pain, pride, and glory.

The most fascinating thing about this book is how Umebinyuo’s words seem straight out of your heart. How you understand the depth and meaning of her words and stories without really understanding. How her words seem to be curated for only you and how for a brief moment you feel seen, heard, and understood without an inkling of judgment.

This book is an unforgettable experience. That is the power of Questions for Ada. That is the magic Ijeoma Umebinyuo has made in this breath-taking masterpiece.