Nigerian novelist Ndifreke Ukpong has highlighted the importance of the society lending its support to women’s voice in his debut novel, “Every Woman in This Village is a Liar”.
Set in the fictional Osom village, the novel delves into the lives of women, challenging traditional gender roles and societal expectations while exploring themes of gender, power, and identity, Speaking on what motivated him to write the book, Ukpong recalled it stemmed from his desire to redefine the narrative surrounding women in society.
“I wanted to show that women are not just passive victims or obedient followers, but active agents and decision-makers in their own lives,” he explained.
“They have their own stories, struggles, and triumphs, and it’s time we acknowledge and celebrate their agency.”
Asked on what led to the choice of the title, Ukpong said, “I chose ‘Every Woman in This Village is a Liar’ because I wanted to challenge the notion that women are always truthful and submissive. The title is a reflection of the societal expectations placed on women – they are expected to be honest and obedient, but when they speak out or assert themselves, they are often labeled as liars or troublemakers.”
He added, “The use of the word “liar” is deliberate, aiming to subvert the stereotype and reclaim the term as a badge of honor. These women are not liars in the classical sense; they are truth-tellers, sharing their stories and experiences in a society that often seeks to silence them; it’s time we listen.”