theguardian.com
Cursed Daughters: A Multigenerational Family Curse in Oyinkan Braithwaite's Novel
Oyinkan Braithwaite's "Cursed Daughters" follows three generations of Falodun women whose relationships are plagued by a mysterious curse, culminating in death and reincarnation.
- How does the narrative structure contribute to the novel's exploration of intergenerational trauma?
- The novel uses a non-linear structure, weaving together the stories of three generations of women. This structure emphasizes the recurring patterns of trauma and the way past events shape the present, highlighting the inheritance of emotional responses and coping mechanisms.
- What are the potential interpretations of the "curse", and what are its lasting implications for the family?
- The "curse" can be interpreted both literally (supernatural) and figuratively (intergenerational trauma). The lasting implication is the family's inability to confront and process past emotional wounds, perpetuating a cycle of suffering. The physical manifestation of water damage in Monife's room symbolizes this unprocessed grief.
- What is the central theme explored in "Cursed Daughters", and what are its immediate implications for the characters?
- The novel explores the cyclical nature of a family curse impacting the Falodun women's relationships, leading to heartbreak, death (Monife's suicide), and a sense of inescapable destiny. The curse manifests in repeated patterns of abandonment and seemingly supernatural occurrences.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The review focuses on the cyclical nature of the family's misfortunes, emphasizing the 'curse' aspect. While acknowledging the novel's exploration of intergenerational trauma, the framing leans towards the supernatural element, potentially overshadowing the psychological depth. The headline, if there was one, might have further emphasized the 'curse' aspect, potentially impacting public perception by prioritizing the supernatural over the psychological.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral, though terms like "ominous, ever-hovering presence" and "spookiness" contribute to the overall atmosphere of the supernatural. While descriptive, these choices subtly reinforce the focus on the curse narrative. More neutral alternatives could be 'persistent theme', 'intriguing mystery', or 'recurring pattern' instead of 'ominous, ever-hovering presence'.
Bias by Omission
The review primarily focuses on the curse and its impact on the women. While it touches on intergenerational trauma, a more in-depth analysis of societal factors contributing to the women's experiences (e.g., patriarchal norms, societal expectations around marriage) is missing. This omission might unintentionally limit the reader's understanding of the complexities involved. The limited scope of the review may explain some omissions.
False Dichotomy
The review subtly presents a false dichotomy between the supernatural 'curse' and the psychological trauma. It acknowledges the psychological aspects but ultimately frames them as secondary to the supernatural element. This might oversimplify the complexities of intergenerational trauma and the women's experiences.
Sustainable Development Goals
The novel centers around a family curse impacting women across generations, highlighting recurring themes of heartbreak, betrayal, and inability to maintain stable relationships. The narrative showcases how societal expectations and gender roles, particularly concerning marriage and relationships, contribute to the women's struggles. The characters' experiences reveal the negative impacts of gender-based expectations and the resulting emotional and psychological consequences.