Nigerian author Damilare Kuku tackles the cultural obsession with large derrières in her new novel, "Only Big Bum Matters Tomorrow". The book delves into the pressures women face to conform to unrealistic beauty standards, particularly in a society where bum augmentation is a thriving industry.
Kuku draws inspiration from a personal experience, witnessing the traumatic impact of body image struggles on a close friend. This sparked a desire to explore the societal pressures that drive women to extreme measures, including plastic surgery, to achieve perceived perfection.
In the novel, Témì, a young university graduate, believes that surgically enhancing her backside will solve all her life's problems, including the grief of her father's death. The book's title itself reflects the societal obsession with physical appearance, highlighting the belief that a "big bum" is the key to happiness and success.
Kuku masterfully uses humor to tackle the sensitive topic, making it easier for readers to engage with the story's underlying themes. Her witty and relatable writing style brings to life the internal struggles and social pressures faced by women in a society obsessed with physical perfection.
"Only Big Bum Matters Tomorrow" goes beyond the superficial, exploring the complexities of familial relationships and the expectations Témì faces from her family. Kuku criticizes the misconception that altering one's appearance can solve deeper emotional and psychological issues. "We think, 'Okay, when I have this money, and I can go under the knife to sculpt some changes, then my life will be perfect,'" she explains, highlighting the flawed logic that drives many women towards drastic measures.
Kuku's writing reflects her own personality: humorous, witty, and insightful. As a Nollywood actress and director, her experiences in the entertainment industry inform her writing, creating relatable characters and scenarios that resonate with readers. Her debut book, "Nearly All The Men In Lagos Are Mad," was a bestseller in Nigeria, showcasing her talent for storytelling and connecting with readers.
"Only Big Bum Matters Tomorrow" is a powerful and entertaining read that goes beyond the surface of a cultural obsession. It encourages readers to reconsider the pursuit of unrealistic beauty standards and embrace authenticity and self-acceptance.
Kuku draws inspiration from a personal experience, witnessing the traumatic impact of body image struggles on a close friend. This sparked a desire to explore the societal pressures that drive women to extreme measures, including plastic surgery, to achieve perceived perfection.
In the novel, Témì, a young university graduate, believes that surgically enhancing her backside will solve all her life's problems, including the grief of her father's death. The book's title itself reflects the societal obsession with physical appearance, highlighting the belief that a "big bum" is the key to happiness and success.
Kuku masterfully uses humor to tackle the sensitive topic, making it easier for readers to engage with the story's underlying themes. Her witty and relatable writing style brings to life the internal struggles and social pressures faced by women in a society obsessed with physical perfection.
"Only Big Bum Matters Tomorrow" goes beyond the superficial, exploring the complexities of familial relationships and the expectations Témì faces from her family. Kuku criticizes the misconception that altering one's appearance can solve deeper emotional and psychological issues. "We think, 'Okay, when I have this money, and I can go under the knife to sculpt some changes, then my life will be perfect,'" she explains, highlighting the flawed logic that drives many women towards drastic measures.
Kuku's writing reflects her own personality: humorous, witty, and insightful. As a Nollywood actress and director, her experiences in the entertainment industry inform her writing, creating relatable characters and scenarios that resonate with readers. Her debut book, "Nearly All The Men In Lagos Are Mad," was a bestseller in Nigeria, showcasing her talent for storytelling and connecting with readers.
"Only Big Bum Matters Tomorrow" is a powerful and entertaining read that goes beyond the surface of a cultural obsession. It encourages readers to reconsider the pursuit of unrealistic beauty standards and embrace authenticity and self-acceptance.
