This stunning U.S. debut from Chika Unigwe won immense acclaim and immediately established its author as a writer to be reckoned with. Lured to Belgium from Lagos by an unscrupulous businessman, Sisi falls into prostitution, her life disintegrating as "Black Sisters Street" saps her every hope. "The author's raw voice, unflinching eye for detail, facility for creating a complex narrative, and affection for her characters make this a must read."-Publishers Weekly, starred review
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"It is a sad story illuastrating tough choices that we often need to make about our lives. Also depicting exploitation of others and ability to rise above adversity. Interesting and captivating read. Could not put the book down."
— Portia (4 out of 5 stars)
" While the characters were interesting and I enjoyed learning a little about Nigeria, the writing left something to be desired. "
— Navin, 1/31/2014" Emotional, moving, sad. Women, choices and consequences. I thought this book was great but was also sad that women have to make certain choices in order to "progress". "
— A.n., 1/30/2014" This book took me away from work I planned to do at home. Very vivid, I was right in Antwerp with the girls. Time well-spent. "
— Linda, 1/27/2014" I just couldn't get into this. I did not finish. "
— Felicia, 1/24/2014" Enjoyed the story and learning about each characters lives, but for some reason when the book was over I was left with a little bit of "that's it?" I feel like there could have been more to the story and the development of each of the women beyond the simple reasons behind why they chose the life they did. This was a well written book and I would recommend it to others. "
— Kat, 1/15/2014" This is a wonderful read. The characters are beautifully drawn and their stories are compelling. The author does a good job in expressing thick dialect in a readable manner. Quite heartbreaking. "
— Janine, 1/4/2014" Africa (Nigeria)-Europe (Antwerp) sex trafficking. Strong characters with good stories, and good Nigeria, Sudan, and Antwerp settings. Rings true and authentic. "
— Chris, 1/2/2014" great read...wish there was a different ending though. I've noticed that Nigerian authors don't like happy endings in their novels...#interesting "
— Ayo, 12/9/2013" An eye opening book, dealing with the seedy side of life, although fiction it is disturbing to know that this kind of thing is happening all the time. "
— Lynn, 9/25/2013" I love books that go back and forth in narrative styles, but this one could drag a bit. The Afrikan-style English made it hard to understand, so I wonder if I missed some great stuff. However, the ending is simply beautiful and very authentic! "
— Teresa, 8/15/2013" Schrijnend verhaal over Afrikaanse prostituees in Antwerpen, maar toch met humor gebracht. "
— Jennifer, 4/17/2013" Very sad story about Nigerian women working as prostitutes in Antwerp. Well written, but be prepared for some very sad circumstances leading to prostitution as a good 'choice' for women. "
— Suzanne, 2/10/2013" Enjoyed it but was a bit depressing "
— Tracey, 12/8/2012" I probably would have given this book 3.5 stars, but will just leave it as it is. Although it is about four prostitutes in Antwerp, the death of one of them causes the others to tell their stories: how they came from Nigeria to Belgium, but more importantly what drove them to Europe. "
— Nina, 12/1/2012" Interesting story with a less than stellar ending. "
— Charlotte-Marie, 11/30/2012" A depressing novel about African prostitutes in Amsterdam. "
— Jlbutler55, 2/6/2012" Was a bit disappointed with the too predictable writing and just finished it for the sake of completing the reading. Though in parts does manage to pull a chord , it has this formatted way of leading the stories that just fails to grab the attention . "
— Sujatha, 1/31/2012" A worthwhile read, although I may dislike men for just a bit until I get over it. "
— Julie, 10/25/2011" A depressing novel about African prostitutes in Amsterdam. "
— Jlbutler55, 10/9/2011" I just couldn't get into this. I did not finish. "
— Felicia, 9/8/2011" I love books that go back and forth in narrative styles, but this one could drag a bit. The Afrikan-style English made it hard to understand, so I wonder if I missed some great stuff. However, the ending is simply beautiful and very authentic! "
— Teresa, 7/28/2011" Good but depressing. Only gave 2 stars, as it reminds me too much of my work. "
— Laura, 6/15/2011" The book wasn't terrible, but I found the story incoherent and the writing distracting. With so many books to read, this one wasn't worth finishing. "
— Tara, 5/7/2011" I won this book off goodreads and I have to say, I have given it my all. I just cannot finish this book. It's very very slow and just overall depressing. If one day I pick it up and read it all the way through, I will definitely revise my thoughts. "
— Kelly, 4/9/2011Chika Unigwe is a Nigerian-born poet, novelist, and short story and children’s writer who produces works in Dutch and in English. She is the recipient of several awards for her writing, including first prize in the BBC Short Story Competition. She holds a PhD in literature from the University of Leiden in the Netherlands. She lives in Belgium.
Chinasa Ogbuagu is a voice and television actor known for her roles in Fringe, The Following, and Nurse Jackie. Her voice-over credits include Unbowed, The Challenge for Africa, and The Sacred Place.