Title: Oma’s Tale
Author: John Anurika Emmanuella
Year of Publication: 2024
Number of Pages: 139
Category: Fiction
You don’t need to see the author’s photo on the back of Oma’s Tale to recognize that John Anurika Emmanuella is a young writer; her voice makes it clear. From the very first page, there’s an innocence in her writing. While her style reflects the genuine enthusiasm of a new author still finding her footing, the tone remains honest and confessional, much like a memoir disguised as fiction and it fits the story perfectly.
The girl on the cover doesn’t wear obsession on her face, as you might expect. Instead, she bears the weight of betrayal and a quiet, lingering sadness, just as the blurb suggests. Her striking hair might catch your eye at first, but as the story unfolds, that detail fades into the background. In its place rises a deeper curiosity: What has she endured? And what still awaits her?
If you’ve already lived through the intensity of university life, Oma’s Tale will likely stir familiar memories, those early adult years filled with uncertainty, self-discovery, and emotional turning points. The book may not grab you right away, but as it begins to unpack matters of the heart, it finds its rhythm. After all, is there anything more deeply relatable than love?
But this isn’t a rosy fairytale. The love in Oma’s Tale feels dangerous and unsettling. It’s the kind of love that leaves you uneasy. As the story unfolds, the truly obsessed character slowly comes into focus. Your emotions may shift quickly, fear, protectiveness. Whether you identify more with the obsessed or the oppressed, you’re likely to see pieces of yourself in these characters. The story stirs a quiet, persistent kind of nostalgia.
At times, you’ll pause and wonder: Is the storm she’s enduring really worth the calm she’s chasing? Brace yourself, there’s definitely a dose of K-drama ahead.
One of the most refreshing aspects of the book is the mother-daughter relationship. Their open conversations, especially about something as tender as a crush, feel both rare and authentic. It’s a bond that adds emotional richness and subtle warmth to the story.
That said, Oma’s Tale doesn’t shy away from darker territory. If you’ve ever had a bitter ex who wouldn’t let go, some scenes may hit uncomfortably close to home. The author captures the emotional toll of such situations with vivid clarity, conveying fear, exhaustion, and that unsettling sense of being watched. It’s not melodrama; it’s reality for some.
True, there are moments that feel a little over the top, perhaps a side effect of the author watching one too many emotional dramas. But if you’re willing to go along with it, the heightened drama brings an extra depth that works.
Some scenes are set in China, giving the book a chance to show a rich, new culture. While there are a few local details, the setting sometimes fades into the background. A closer look at the land, customs, and traditions could have made the story stronger and more interesting.
Yes, the exaggerations are strong, but anyone who has loved deeply will understand the ups and downs. It’s dramatic, but also very real.
You don’t need a prophet to predict the ending. And by the time you close the final page, there’s a sense of relief that you’ve made it through with Oma.
Light as the book may seem on the surface, it touches on weighty themes: obsession, emotional vulnerability, and personal safety. It’s a story that sparks reflection and conversation.
In the end, Oma’s Tale is for young adults navigating the confusing terrain of first love and wondering whether it’s worth the fight.
About the reviewer
Titilade Oyemade is a business executive in a leading organisation and holds a degree in Russian Language. She’s the convener of the Hangoutwithtee Ladies Event and the Publisher of Hangoutwithtee magazine. She spends her weekends attending women conferences, events and book readings. She loves to have fun and to help other women have the same in their lives. Email: titi.oyemade@gmail.com Social: @tiipreeofficial
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