Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. Buchi Emecheta’s contemporary, Chinua Achebe, also explored the clash between Igbo tradition and outside forces in his novel Things Fall Apart. How does focusing on a female protagonist like Aku-nna change the way this conflict is portrayed, compared to a more male-centered narrative?

2. What was your initial understanding of the “bride price”? How did the novel either challenge or deepen your perception of this custom?

3. The story of Aku-nna and Chike is presented as a cautionary tale in Ibuza, reinforcing the power of tradition. For you as a reader, did the novel feel more like a story of tragic love, a critique of social injustice, or a statement on the inescapable power of cultural beliefs?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Aku-nna and Chike view their education as a path to a different kind of life, based on personal choice and merit. Can you think of a time when learning something new, either in or out of school, opened up a new perspective or a different future for you?

2. Ma Blackie’s loyalty shifts from her daughter to her new husband, Okonkwo, as she tries to secure her own position in Ibuza. Think about a situation where you’ve seen someone make a difficult choice to ensure their own security or belonging within a group. What consequences did they have to consider?

3. The love between Aku-nna and Chike is a deep act of rebellion against the rigid social rules of their community. Have you ever pursued something you believed in, even when it went against the expectations of your family or community? What did you learn from that experience?

4. Chike is defined by his identity as an osu, an outcast, despite his education and kindness. Have you ever felt judged or defined by a label that didn’t align with your inner self? How did you navigate that feeling?

5. Nna-nndo’s loyalty to his sister contrasts with the way the rest of their family treats her. What role has steadfast support played in helping you face challenges?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. The novel portrays the tension between traditional Igbo practices and Western influences from Christian missionaries and colonial rule. Where did you see these two worlds clashing most dramatically in the story? In what ways do you see similar negotiations between tradition and modernity playing out in societies today?

2. What does the persistence of the osu caste system, despite being officially outlawed, suggest about the relationship between law and social custom? Can you think of other instances where deep-seated social prejudices have proven more powerful than legal changes?

3. Emecheta uses Aku-nna’s story to explore the limited power and agency of girls and women in mid-20th-century Igbo society. How do the experiences of Aku-nna and Ma Blackie illustrate the different ways that girls and women navigated or were constrained by this patriarchal structure?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. The book’s introduction clarifies that Emecheta rewrote her manuscript with the published unhappy ending after her own marriage ended. How does this information shape your interpretation of the story?

2. Aku-nna and Chike name both their new bed and their baby daughter “Joy.” How does the author use this recurring symbol to represent their hopes for a modern life built on love? What is the impact of linking this symbol of their private happiness directly to the tragedy that fulfills the traditional curse?

3. In what ways does Emecheta use Okonkwo and Mr. Ofulue as foils to explore conflicting ideas about fatherhood, tradition, and wealth?

4. How does the novel use the contrasting settings of urban Lagos and rural Ibuza? What does each location represent in the broader conflict between modern ideals and traditional community life?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Imagine that Aku-nna survives childbirth. Write a scene describing the future you envision for her, Chike, and their daughter, Joy.

2. Imagine you’re Chike, many years later, telling your teenage daughter, Joy, the story of her mother. Which parts of Aku-nna’s life and character would you emphasize to honor her memory and explain the world she came from?

3. If you were adapting The Bride Price into a play, how would you stage this to capture the story’s meanings and imagery?