I started reading this book late last year and finished it early in January. ‘Dele weds destiny’ had me cackling and sometimes gasping at very descriptive scenes. It took me a few months to finish reading because it was packed with detailed events. Each character’s history was richly explored, even down to the historical events that made them who they were.
What is the book about?
Dele Weds Destiny is a tale of friendship between three women, Funmi, Enitan and Zainab, who met at university and became close despite their many differences. The friendships change over the years and through many occurrences, including long-distance. The novel is based on the women finally being reunited at the wedding of Funmi’s daughter, Destiny.
What I loved about the book
For me, the most engaging part of the narrative was delving into the characters’ past, their university days, and the formation of their friendship. Their past seemed to hold more allure than their present.
The part that resonated with me the most was the depiction of the traditional Nigerian wedding. Nigerian weddings are a matter of great significance, and the traditional wedding, in particular, is a deeply revered and cherished tradition.
What I didn’t like
At times, it was hard to keep up with the characters, as I kept having to remind myself which person was which because each character was explored in detail. However, this was probably because I am a serial book reader ( I read the book over a long time while reading other books), so the confusion was probably caused by my inability to focus on one book at a time.
Themes and interesting quotes that made me laugh out loud:
This section part may include some spoilers. If you have’t yet read the book and plan to do so, you may want to skip this part.
- Relationships between parents and their children and why they have such dynamics. The following quote is a conversation between the bride, Destiny and her mother Funmi.
Destiny: ‘You’ve never listened to me. You’ve never let me do what I want to do. When I wanted to study photography, you and Daddy just shut it down completely. I tell you that I am unhappy and you ignore me, tell me to pray about it, tell me how lucky I am…’
Funmi: ‘But you are’
Destiny: ‘I know I am, and that makes me feel worse! You want me to be exactly how you were, how you are! But we are two different people!’
- Strong friendships formed at university through shared experiences during their pivotal coming-of-age moments and how it forever bonds them. The following quotes are from the prologue.
These three women are essentially sisters, though Funmi would chafe at the sickly sweetness of such a term. Their love was the makings of an anchient habit; it is audomatic and unyeielding. And though their unexpected sepreration so shortly after graduation tests their relationship they remain steadfastly in each others lives.
- In addition the story marks the stark contrast between the three friends and their placement in society.
And one of them will become quite rich, as in she-has-an-apartment-in-London, shops-at-Harrods rich, as in she-also-has-a-house-in-Lekki-and-a-sprawling-compound-in-her-husband’s-village rich. As in tinted-black-SUV-windows rich and walk-in-closet-full-of-brand-name-shoes-she-seldom-wears rich, as in drivers-and-servants-and-what-her-husband-does-is-ill-defined-and-definitely-involves-bribery, but-she-prefers-not-to-think-about-it rich.”
- The following part of the story took me back to my own traditional wedding and the beautiful tradition and weighty meanings behind each act. I strongly believe that the Nigerian traditional wedding signifies much more than a declaration of love; it is also about honouring family and culture.
“It’s not as if anyone believes that their daughter is worth a monetary price for goodness’ sake,’ said Funmi. ‘Anyways, the traditional wedding is a way to celebrate our culture. And the white wedding or church wedding is the official ceremony. Doing both is just how it is done now.”
Who would love to read this book?
Anyone who loves reading books about strong friendships will enjoy reading this book. At the start, you might think it’s a slow burner, but as you turn the pages, you will realise the depth of the characters as you learn more about their past and the experiences that made them who they are.
How many stars will I give Dele Weds Destiny?
I am giving this 4 stars. It was a great read and it did get me gasping at some parts and clearly the story was about so much more than the wedding of Dele and Destiny.
Have you read this book? I would love to read your thoughts in the comment section below. You can also check out my other book reviews too.
Ibs Writes 