I love reading stories of women who overcome difficulties and gender expectations to make a better life. I also enjoy learning about different countries and cultures. Combining the two in this modern fairytale seems like a perfect match. Adaugo is a girl growing up in Lagos, the forward- looking, wealthy capital of Nigeria, where various religions live side-by-side and oil money merges with telecoms firms. Adaugo begins to live a Christian girl's normal life, then her world becomes TWISTED IN A POSITIVE WAY when her ambition to make something of herself grows.

We first meet Adaugo as a schoolgirl hoping to pass exams that will let her get into secondary school early. Her mother is keen for her to make progress, as her own parents refused to let her study law in case it would scare away prospective husbands. This combination of positive attitude and cultural restriction continues throughout the book. This is a well-off family, with good schools and the respect of their community. Yet the man sees himself as the breadwinner, though his wife also works. Some of these tales are amusing, but perhaps not if you were living through them.

Boarding school brings the sad lesson that some so-called friends are only sponging off the kind-hearted Adaugo, and we continue to watch her progress through university and the world of work, where her ambitions are put temporarily on hold. When she wants to do more study, the gender gap will once again force the brave woman into painful choices and life lessons.

A lovely touch is that Adaugo feels the contact of her inner voice, a spiritual guide which might be her subconscious personified. Through this voice she puts words to the newfound wisdom she gains and solidifies her determination. Maybe this is what Cinderella really meant by a fairy godmother.

Chikamso C. Efobi grew up in Lagos and now lives in England, after graduating with a Masters in Information Systems Management from De Montfort University Leicester. She writes motivational and personal development blogs. What we are told about the work of women in banking will shock you. This is an educational and enjoyable read.

Book Summary

Spanning decades in the heart of Mushin, Lagos Nigeria, this coming-of- age tale of a charming heroine unfolds delicately and is based on the story of a young girl, Adaugo who faces difficult odds. The loss of a loved one and navigating cultural expectations and gender roles are major themes in this personal narrative documenting the growth and learning of a young girl with big dreams.

As Adaugo listens to the still small voice within her, her growth from a young girl in boarding school to a precocious brave woman is studded with precious gems of divine insight.

Her journey is one that any person, young or old will learn from as it illustrates the beauty and triumph of dreaming big and never giving up.

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