This Motherless Land

Content Warning: This section of the text depicts racism, substance use, suicidal ideation, self-harm, death, and child loss.

Nine-year-old Oluwafunke “Funke” Oyenuga lives in Lagos, Nigeria, with her mother, father, and brother, Femi. On the way to school, she is scolded for bickering with Femi. Mum constantly stresses the importance of the two getting along, which Funke assumes is because of Mum’s troubled relationship with her own sister, Margot.

Mum’s family lives in England and Funke has never met them. They live on their estate known as The Ring, where Mum grew up, which Mum describes often to Funke, with its swimming pool, gardens, and service staff. According to Mum, Margot “resents” Mum for the attention she got from their parents as children; however, her parents “disowned” Mum for marrying a Black man.

Mum teaches art at Funke’s school. Funke is embarrassed by her as she is eccentric, with large hats and tie-dyed clothing. Mum insists that everyone, including the students, call her “Lizzie.” As a result, Funke does her best to blend in at school, intentionally getting third or fourth in her class and having Bimpe, their housegirl, braid her hair to match the other students.

On Saturday, Dad makes breakfast, then goes into the village.