A review of A Future in Chains by Ndifreke Ukpong

A Future In Chains

Published By: Michael Adesina

Reviewed by Ime Umoh

When I first heard about A Future in Chains by Ndifreke Ukpong, I was curious. Friends spoke about the story with so much emotion, mentioning how it explored faith, tradition, and resilience. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy. When I finally received it on December 1st, 2024, during my month off from work, I knew it was the perfect time to read it. The break gave me the freedom to dive into the novel without work distractions.

The first thing I noticed was the cover. It showed a woman with two young girls in chains. At first glance, I thought it was literal—a story about captivity or slavery. But as they say, don’t judge a book by its cover. I soon realized the chains were symbolic, representing struggles, societal expectations, and the traditions that tried to hold the characters back.

From the very first chapter, I was pulled into the story of Nkowo, a widow living in Ayam village. Her life was turned upside down when her husband, Effiong, passed away. The traditions of the village demanded that she marry her late husband’s brother, Ukafia. As I read, I realized this wasn’t just a simple story about a widow. It was about much more—love, sacrifice, and the strength to challenge customs that no longer served justice or humanity.

Nkowo is the kind of protagonist who stays with you long after you’ve finished the book. She is strong and determined, yet vulnerable in moments when her faith is tested. Her decision to stand against the traditions of Ayam village was not an easy one. She was banished, cursed by the chief priest, and forced to leave everything behind. Despite these challenges, Nkowo held on to her beliefs, determined to protect her daughters, Udiomka and Udiomke, and give them a better life. Her strength reminded me of many real-life women who refuse to accept injustice, even when the odds are stacked against them.

Ukafia, on the other hand, is the perfect antagonist. His greed and jealousy fuel his actions, making him a true contrast to Nkowo. As Effiong’s brother, Ukafia feels entitled to his late brother’s property and even to Nkowo herself. He hides behind tradition, using it to justify his selfish ambitions. Throughout the novel, I kept hoping he would see the error of his ways, but his desire for power and control only grew stronger. His downfall was both predictable and satisfying. By the end of the story, Ukafia lost everything because of his greed.

The novel does an excellent job of showing the clash between tradition and individual beliefs. Ayam village’s customs are rooted in the idea of protecting families, but in reality, they oppress women. The rule that a widow must marry her late husband’s brother takes away her freedom to choose her own path. Through Nkowo’s story, the novel raises important questions about whether traditions should remain unchanged or evolve to reflect fairness and equality.

Faith plays a central role in the novel. Nkowo’s belief in God gives her the strength to face her challenges. Even when she was cursed and rejected by her family and community, she never wavered. Her faith was like a shield, protecting her from fear and guiding her decisions. I was especially moved by the way her faith influenced her daughters, who grew up to be strong and independent women.

The relationship between Nkowo and her daughters is one of the most touching parts of the story. Udiomka and Udiomke are her motivation to keep going, even when everything seems hopeless. She wants them to have a future free from the chains of tradition. Her sacrifices and love for them are evident in every decision she makes. By the end of the novel, Udiomka has become a doctor, and her actions reflect the values her mother instilled in her. The moment when Udiomka saves her grandfather’s life, despite his past actions, is a powerful reminder of the importance of forgiveness.

One of the most striking moments in the novel is when Nkowo survives the curse placed on her by the chief priest. The villagers believed that she would die within a year of her banishment, but she proved them wrong. Her survival wasn’t just a physical victory; it was a triumph of faith and truth over fear and superstition. This moment made me reflect on how often we let fear control our lives when we have the power to rise above it.

The title, A Future in Chains, is a perfect fit for the story. At the beginning of the novel, the chains represent the traditions, fear, and judgment that try to hold Nkowo and her daughters back. But as the story progresses, it becomes clear that these chains are not permanent. Through courage and determination, Nkowo breaks free from them, paving the way for a brighter future. The title serves as a reminder that no matter how strong the chains may seem, they can be broken.

One thing I appreciated about the novel is how it portrays women’s strength in a patriarchal society. Nkowo’s journey shows the limitations placed on women, especially widows, in Ayam village. But it also shows their resilience and ability to fight back. Nkowo challenges the norms and proves that women can rise above the expectations placed on them. This theme is especially relevant today as women around the world continue to fight for equality and justice.

The writing style of A Future in Chains is simple and easy to follow. Ndifreke Ukpong’s use of language makes the story accessible to a wide range of readers. The vivid descriptions and realistic dialogue bring the characters and setting to life. I could picture Ayam village, with its customs and traditions, as well as the bustling city where Nkowo starts over. The emotional depth of the story is what makes it so powerful. I felt every bit of Nkowo’s pain, hope, and triumph as if I were living it alongside her.

This novel isn’t just about Nkowo’s story; it’s about all of us. It challenges us to question the traditions we follow and to think about whether they bring us closer to justice and love or keep us bound in chains. It reminds us of the power of faith, the importance of family, and the strength of the human spirit.

Reading A Future in Chains was a deeply emotional experience for me. It made me laugh, cry, and reflect on my own beliefs. Nkowo’s journey is one that will stay with me for a long time. She is a reminder that no matter how dark things may seem, there is always hope.

In the end, A Future in Chains is a story about breaking free—free from fear, free from tradition, and free from the limitations placed on us by others. It is a story that inspires courage and shows that a better future is possible, not just for Nkowo and her daughters but for all of us.