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Idu (novel)Idu is a 1970 novel and the second novel put out by Nigerian novelist Flora Nwapa. The book centers around Idu, a young woman in a Nigerian village whose husband has died, and her efforts to be reunited with him. The novel has been seen as one of Nwapa's more controversial works for its focus on Idu's reliance on her husband.

Plot
The novel is set in a remote African village and follows the protagonist Idu and her husband Adiewere over a number of years. From the beginning of the novel, Nwapa ensures the reader is aware of the wedded bliss between Idu and Adiewere; they are absolutely devoted to each other as husband and wife. Their happiness together is portrayed to be overwhelming. In the African tribe, motherhood is coveted and being a mother is deemed to be far more important than being a devoted wife. Despite their desire for children, Idu and Adiewere remain childless for many years. During this time, Idu and Adiewere build a great business and become prosperous however when Adiewere's brother, Ishiodu is in trouble, they forfeit their wealth to help Ishiodu. As time passes, the pressure from the villagers for Idu and Adiewere to have a child becomes unbearable and Idu weeps that she has brought the curse of childlessness onto her husband. At Idu's beckoning, Adiewere takes a second wife, who he treats as a child rather than a wife. Idu unexpectedly announces she is pregnant and the village rejoices with the couple and bestows many gifts upon the popular couple. Upon becoming aware of Idu's pregnancy, the second wife leaves Adiewere.

Idu's son is born on the day of an eclipse which Idu believes is a bad omen, remembering a dream about having a boy that was so dark she did not dare touch the boy. Idu and Adiewere name their son Ijoma. Idu's sister Anamadi grows to love Ijoma and he spends most of his time with her. Two years pass and Idu is not again pregnant and thus Idu asks her husband to take another wife rather than constantly being berated as being �bad� for denying her husband the privilege of more children.

The reader is then introduced to a second couple, Ojiugo and Amarajeme who also adore each other. Ojiugo is Idu's childhood friend. However, after six years and no children, Ojiugo leaves Amarajeme to live with her husband's friend in order to fulfill her dream of motherhood. Amarajeme is heartbroken and wears black and mourns his wife. Upon hearing the news Ojiugo has born a son, Amarajeme realises he is sterile and to blame for their childlessness and hangs himself. Ojiugo hears of Amarajeme's death and dies that same day from heartbreak for her first beloved husband.

After four years, Idu becomes pregnant for a second time and for a short time, the couple and the village rejoice in the pending birth of their second child. Tragically, Adiewere dies suddenly. After Adiewere's death, Idu does not weep, wear black or scrape her hair as tradition expects. Further, Idu refuses to marry Ishiodu, her husband's brother; Idu is steadfast that she will join Adiewere. Ultimately, Idu rejects life and dies in order to be with her beloved husband.

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