*This review includes snippets from the book, covering the opening, premise, and themes, but avoids major spoilers related to characters and major turning points.
Definition of Huzband
(pronounced auz-band)
Noun
1. A male partner in a marriage
2. A non-existent man in a non-existent marriage whose whereabouts is often asked, usually by Nigerian mums and aunties of single British-Nigerian women.
E.g. ‘So Yinka, where is your husband? Ah, ah. You’re thirty-one now!’
Lizzie Damilola Blackburn's debut novel, Yinka, Where Is Your Huzband?, explores the life of a thirty-one-year-old South Londoner searching for love while enduring her mother and aunties' intrusive attitudes toward her marriage prospects. In this book, we follow Yinka’s quest to find a boyfriend or a husband within a six-month timeframe whilst a journey of self-discovery.
The book opens in a fresh and reflective January, and Yinka, who lives in Peckham, is at her little sister’s baby shower. Although she initially feels relieved that no one has asked about her dating life, her mother's public prayer for Yinka to find a husband triggers a whirlwind of emotions and sets her on a mission to secure a date by her cousin's wedding in six months.
Determined to meet her goal, Yinka crafts a plan with KPIs to get herself out there more, with the end goal of having a date to her friend’s wedding.
Yinka’s Operation Wedding Date
Objectives | Tasks | Deadline | KPIs |
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Despite ticking all the boxes for the perfect daughter of immigrant parents - an Oxford alumnus with a prestigious finance job, and a homeowner in London - Yinka feels something is missing.
Blackburn skillfully addresses the challenges faced by dual identity communities as they strive to maintain their cultural heritage and balance respect for traditional values while being influenced by their environment. By incorporating modern elements like group chats and voice notes, Blackburn creates a sense of relatability while immersing us into Yinka’s family dynamics and her Nigerian heritage.
A voicemail message from Yinka's Mother
Despite Yinka’s impressive accomplishments, she struggles with societal and familial expectations. Her journey is one of self-discovery, highlighting the pressures many face to conform to external standards. The book is full of vibrant and complicated characters who show depth as they navigate adulthood. Blackburn explores crucial themes such as religion, heartbreak, grief, colourism, body image, beauty standards, gentrification, culture, and mental health. These characters remind us that even in life’s most difficult storms, there is always room for humour and laughter.
Blackburn's writing is both witty and heartfelt, creating a narrative that is as humorous as it is touching. The advice Yinka receives, '...In life, you will face many, many pressures. But it’s important that you only do what you want to do, in your own time and at your own pace. If you can remember this, you’ll live a very happy life’ encapsulates the novel's central message about living authentically, embracing your heritage and resisting external pressures.
As we go deeper into the story, we learn more about Yinka. We piece together the puzzles of her identity, understanding her complexities and recognising her as a multi-faceted individual like the rest of us. Yinka's genuine heart and passion for helping others are evident through her dedication to charity work. At the core of this book is a strong sense of community, showcased through heartfelt moments, deepening friendships, and Yinka's journey to self-love, which also involves addressing her mental health.
In Yinka, Where Is Your Huzband?, Blackburn has created a story that is both deeply personal and often relatable. This novel is a testament to the strength found in self-acceptance. Community is at the heart of this book, reminding us that even in the most challenging times, we can find joy and connection.
Don't miss out! Order "Yinka, Where Is Your Huzband?" here.
Christabelle Quaynor,
Policy and Influence Officer
All credit to Yinka, Where Is Your Huzband? by Elizabeth Damilola Blackburn (2022) Penguin Books Ltd.
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