Pregnancy is a life-changing event, affecting not only a woman’s body—evidenced by a growing stomach and other physical changes like an increased nose size—but also her mental state and emotional well-being. This is the core of Dear Zimi, the debut novel by Chiziterem Chijioke, the 2023 Quramo Writers’ Prize winner.

Dear Zimi follows Zimife, the youngest child of the Ike-Stevens family, who becomes pregnant after an impulsive Valentine’s Day date with Tobore, a youth corps member. After a failed abortion attempt, Zimi must face the harsh reality of being an unmarried undergraduate who is pregnant. Her once-normal life spirals into an emotional whirlwind, testing friendships, family bonds, and her own sense of self. Zimi must confront her selfishness and prove herself worthy of the love and sacrifices of those closest to her—her best friend, Belema, her family, and the father of her child, Tobore.

 

This book is a must read for lovers of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Zikora, Stay With Me by Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀, and An American Marriage by Tayari Jones as it paints the powerful portrait of what it means to be a young, unmarried, pregnant woman in an African society. It delves into the disappointment and stigma families feel and the attitudes others may display, whether openly or behind closed doors. The book emphasizes the importance of a supportive community, like Belema and Zimi’s family, and the transformation that comes with love and acceptance. 

Why You Should Read Dear Zimi by Chiziterem Chijioke

In an interview with Creative Writing News, Chiziterem Chijioke shared that the judges of the Quramo Writers’ Prize praised Dear Zimi for being a “compelling narrative that explores the theme of love, friendship, and self-discovery against the backdrop of Nigerian society.” This is evident in the concise, engaging writing of the novel. Chijioke captures the reality of an average Nigerian girl living under her parents’ roof. Though the novel focuses on a family’s growing acceptance, it also addresses the broader consequences of life-altering mistakes. The pacing is enough to carry us through the stages and changes in Zimi’s life, covering her entire journey in 204 pages.

Zimi starts the book in a state of panic, and this feeling persists throughout as she navigates a future that was never part of her plans. The characters in this story aren’t strictly good or bad, instead, the novel highlights how selfishness can sometimes block us from the life we need, with Zimi constantly trying to reshape the actions of those around her to create the life she expects. 

The novel shows that we can only control our own actions, and Zimi learns this the hard way—a needed experience as she heads into motherhood—by facing the disappointment her father carries in silence, her mother’s loud disapproval, and her brother’s reaction, all while being supported by her sister’s warm love.

Friendship also plays a significant role in the novel, particularly Zimi’s bond with Belema who is the first character we are introduced to, as well as the last to close the book, emphasizing the importance of their relationship throughout Zimi’s journey. Tobore, the baby’s father, is another key figure. In Nigerian society, we often hear stories of men who disappear when faced with unplanned pregnancies, but Tobore is the opposite. He chooses to be there for Zimi, no matter her decision, testing the strength of their relationship and teaching Zimi the value of people who truly care.

 

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One of the standout moments in the novel is when a character says, “…when you love someone, you must stop at nothing to show it to them.” This encapsulates the fundamentals of the book—that love requires action and commitment, not just words.

Beyond the theme of friendship, the novel briefly touches on abortion and the taboo that surrounds it while also raising important questions: How different would Zimi’s life have been if her abortion plan had succeeded? Would she have grown as a person or remained the same as she was at the beginning of the book? It also helps us question society’s impact on the decisions most girls who share a similar experience with Zimife make.

Aside from the stigma that follows pregnancy out of wedlock, there is also the issue of putting life on pause to cater to the needs of the child. Chiziterem still weaves a subtle but powerful feminist narrative that encourages young women to chart their own paths in the face of a society that seeks to control women’s choices.

Throughout the book, we can easily forget that Zimi is an undergraduate who was fortunate enough to go through this experience with her school on strike. However, the backdrop of a university strike acts as a significant narrative device. It allows Zimi to experience her pregnancy away from the judging eyes of her peers. It is interesting, though, to imagine how this story might have unfolded if she had been thrust into the academic spotlight with her growing belly and what experiences would shape her character at the end. The author mentioned getting the story inspiration during one of the long federal university strikes, thus inspiring the setting of the novel.

Conclusion

Ultimately, Dear Zimi is a soft story that invites readers to reflect on the power of love in guiding us through our darkest moments. Zimi teaches us about vulnerability, responsibility, and replacing fear with hope for the future. Her growth is remarkable, offering a story that resonates with readers of all backgrounds. The message is clear by the end: actions speak louder than words, and we must prove ourselves worthy of the love and support we receive from friends and family by giving back in kind.

Dear Zimi is published by Quramo Publishing Limited and will soon be available in bookstores nationwide. You can order your copy from Quramo’s Official Instagram. 

 

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