Cursed Daughters by Oyinkan Braithwaite is a wickedly sharp, darkly funny, and emotionally resonant novel that explores female rivalry, love, superstition, and generational trauma. Known for her bestselling hit My Sister, the Serial Killer, Braithwaite once again delivers a bold, unforgettable story rooted in Nigerian culture and enriched with magical realism.
In this Cursed Daughters Book Review, we dive into the novel’s plot, characters, themes, setting, and why this book stands out as one of the most anticipated releases of 2025.
Cursed Daughters Summary
When Ebun gives birth to her daughter Eniiyi on the same day the family buries her cousin Monife, everyone is struck by the uncanny resemblance between the newborn and the dead woman. This sparks a long-standing belief that Eniiyi is Monife reincarnated — destined to repeat her tragic destiny.
Adding to the tension is the Falodun family curse:
“No man will call your house his home. And if they try, they will not have peace…”
For generations, this curse has ensured heartbreak, abandonment, and an unending cycle of pain for the women in the family.
Growing up under the weight of superstition and whispered expectations, Eniiyi tries to outrun her fate — until she falls in love with a boy she saves from drowning. Suddenly, her family’s ominous patterns close in on her, and she turns to Lagos’s darker spiritual corners for answers.
As she seeks the truth behind the curse and her supposed reincarnation, Eniiyi must choose whether she will repeat the past or fight for her freedom, her future, and her heart.
Major Characters in Cursed Daughters
1. Eniiyi
The protagonist believed to be the reincarnation of Monife. Intelligent, loving, and caught between fear and defiance.
2. Monife
The cousin whose tragic life casts a long shadow. Her memory fuels the superstition that shapes Eniiyi’s world.
3. Ebun
Eniiyi’s mother, struggling with loss, motherhood, and the heaviness of the family curse.
4. Grandma East & Grandma West
Two powerful matriarchs who embody tradition, superstition, humor, and generational pain. Their dynamic adds richness and depth to the narrative.
5. The Young Man Eniiyi Saves
Her love interest, whose appearance triggers the most dangerous parts of the family prophecy.
Cursed Daughters Details
- Publisher : Doubleday
- Publication date : November 4, 2025
- Language : English
- Print length : 384 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0385551479
- ISBN-13 : 978-0385551472
Key Themes in Cursed Daughters
1. Generational Trauma
The novel examines how unhealed wounds echo from mother to daughter.
2. Superstition vs. Modernity
Braithwaite contrasts contemporary Lagos life with ancient beliefs and spiritual practices.
3. Love and Fate
Is destiny unchangeable? Or can one woman rewrite her entire bloodline’s story?
4. Identity and Self-Determination
Eniiyi’s journey is ultimately about reclaiming her voice and defining her own path.
5. Family Dynamics
Complicated bonds between women form the emotional heart of the novel.
Setting: Lagos in All Its Magic and Mystery
The novel Cursed Daughters is set in modern Lagos, but not the one tourists see. Braithwaite paints a vibrant, layered city where humor, danger, spirituality, and daily life blend seamlessly. The setting enriches the story’s magical realism and cultural authenticity.
Writing Style
Braithwaite brings her signature blend of humor, sharp dialogue, and chilling tension. Her prose moves effortlessly between emotional depth, satire, and supernatural intrigue. Readers will find Cursed Daughters both highly readable and thematically rich.
Why You Should Read Cursed Daughters
- It’s a compelling blend of romance, spirituality, and generational storytelling.
- The characters feel alive, complex, and unforgettable.
- The mix of magical realism and Nigerian culture is refreshing and immersive.
- The plot keeps you hooked with mystery, emotional twists, and cultural depth.
- Braithwaite proves again that she is one of the strongest voices in modern fiction.
About the Author: Oyinkan Braithwaite
Oyinkan Braithwaite is the bestselling author of My Sister, the Serial Killer, translated into over 30 languages and acclaimed worldwide. She has won multiple awards, been longlisted and shortlisted for major prizes, and continues to build a powerful literary legacy. Alongside her novels, she writes short fiction and works as a screenwriter, with several adaptations in development.
Cursed Daughters reinforces her place as a bold, inventive, and deeply insightful storyteller.
Final Verdict – Cursed Daughters Book Review
Cursed Daughters is a masterfully crafted novel that blends humor, heartbreak, cultural identity, and supernatural intrigue. It’s perfect for readers who love:
- multi-generational stories
- vibrant Nigerian fiction
- magical realism
- emotionally complex characters
- mystery, romance, and family drama
This is a novel that lingers long after the last page — a testament to Braithwaite’s storytelling genius.
Check out: The Strength of the Few – by James Islington, Review and More
Get a copy of Cursed Daughters by Oyinkan Braithwaite
You can use the link below to get a copy of Cursed Daughters by Oyinkan Braithwaite on Amazon
