Call Me Legachi by Adesuwa O’Man Nwokedi is a realistic (if not infuriating) depiction of a self-doubting, emotionally dependent woman who is painfully loyal to a lost cause, yet slooooooowly experiences growth.

Legachi, the main character embodies the beta archetype: My far from favourite type of woman. Her journey revolves less around unshakable confidence and more about the cringe-inducing lengths she’ll go to please a man who treats her as an afterthought.

Plot Summary (Without Rose Tinted Glasses)

Legachi leaves Nigeria for London on a scholarship, hoping to salvage her relationship with Mezie-a walking red flag who drains her financially and emotionally. Instead of cutting her losses, she tolerates his neglect, cleans his shabby apartment, and funds his dumb ass (pardon my french) while teetering on homelessness. She eventually pivots when she meets Roman, a single dad with his own baggage. A lifeline for her, if I may say so.

Why You Will Cringe

Mezie’s Audacity: Legachi’s boyfriend is a masterclass in weaponized incompetence, yet she rationalizes his behavior for far too long. All through I was screaming, “DUMP HIM!”

Why you should stick with it until the very last page

Adesuwa O’Man Nwokedi wrote this book quite so beautifully and very engaging. The book’s strength lies in its unflinching portrayal of flawed relationships and how diaspora life is like. Legachi’s journey however frustrating, mirrors real world struggles many women face when prioritizing others over themselves. Roman’s character adds depth to the single-dad trope.

Readers seeking a fierce, boundary-setting alpha female will find Call Me Legachi’s passivity grating, but those who push past the whole cringe Legachi persona will be glad they did.

The book would make a nice book club read because it offers plenty to discuss: Legachi’s messy relationships, her journey of self-discovery, and the emotional ups and downs of chasing love and ambition in a new country.