New Telegraph 
It was Winston Churchill who said, “Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” This saying aptly describes our female protagonist whose story begins where that of many others in this country and some other parts of the world have ended.
Dr Prince Nduka Alum’s ‘Behind the Doors of Fate’ masterfully weaves a tale of early child marriage, cultural expectations, and the unyielding human spirit. In the book, readers are plunged into a vivid narrative of resilience and transformation, set against the backdrop of Nigeria’s vibrant landscape.
The novel chronicles the life of a young girl whose destiny seems sealed by the oppressive tradition of early marriage that pervades the community. Despite the crushing weight of societal expectations, Adaeze confronts her fate with a blend of defiance and hope.
From the outset, the story immerses us in the struggles of Adaeze, the female protagonist, who dreams of a different life amidst the relentless pressures of tradition.
Her journey begins with an arranged marriage and the futility of her efforts to break out of the generational cycle that had begun to seem like a curse to her mother. The women around her, including her mother, may have been content with an early marriage, certain there was no way out.
But Adaeze was determined to find a way, including absconding from home and risking an uncertain future. Adaeze failed. Like one stuck in a nightmare, powerless against an onslaught of events, Adaeze watched herself being betrothed and married to a stranger who wasted no time in whisking her off to the bustling city of Lagos.
Upon her arrival in Lagos, Adaeze discovered her husband was only a sweet mouthed hustler who, though posed as a millionaire to her parents, was a struggling real estate agent.
These dire circumstances were enough to seal the fates of many young girls in a significant number of child marriages.
However, for Adaeze, what could have been a grim chapter instead becomes a catalyst for her transformation. The novel’s strength lies in its portrayal of her personal growth and tenacity.
As she excels academically, securing a state-sponsored scholarship to the university, and aids her husband in building a successful tourism business, her story evolves from one of survival to triumph.
The narrative beautifully juxtaposes her initial entrapment with her eventual liberation, offering a powerful commentary on self-determination and resilience.
The culmination of her journey is both poignant and empowering. Returning to her village with her now successful husband, she orchestrates a grand wedding ceremony – a symbolic and literal celebration of her triumph over adversity.
This act is not merely about personal vindication but also about challenging the limitations imposed by her past. Behind the Doors of Fate is a compelling read that explores themes of personal empowerment, societal norms, and the transformative power of education and perseverance.
Through its well-crafted narrative and relatable characters, the book inspires and challenges readers to rethink the boundaries of fate and the possibilities of change. It is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and a celebration of the triumphs that arise from overcoming the odds.
The story is a perfect blend of cultural insight, personal growth, and romance, making it a compelling read for fans of literary fiction and women’s empowerment.
Ultimately, the message passed by Dr Prince Nduka Alum can be summarized thus: “Sometimes, what is meant to confine you becomes the very force that propels you to freedom.”
