The Edge of Water

DEBUT Nigerian American author Bankole’s first novel tackles complex themes—living in the diaspora, mother-daughter relationships, and the meaning of family and belonging. The story moves between Nigeria and New Orleans and spans more than a decade in the lives of three generations of women. In Nigeria, Amina dreams of moving to the United States to escape family drama and the traditional, limiting expectations of women. She shares this path of resistance and resilience with her mother, Esther, though their differences complicate their relationship. When Esther is forewarned of a dangerous outcome should Amina leave her homeland, Esther still supports Amina’s choice to move to Louisiana. Just as Amina begins to settle into her new life in the Big Easy with her own young daughter, she and thousands of New Orleanians experience the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Bankole’s innovative framing of Amina’s and Esther’s stories via letters between the women is strengthened by the inclusion of short missives that give voice to the high priestess Iyanifa, who provides guidance to Esther and other adherents of the Yoruba cultural and spiritual traditions.