Cursed Daughters by Oyinkan Braithwaite

Rating: 5 of 5 stars 

Pages: 384 pages
Published: November 2025

I picked up a copy of Cursed Daughters by Oyinkan Braithwaite in preparation for my June discussion with This Browne Girl Reads, and I was genuinely excited to dive in. I enjoyed My Sister the Serial Killer, so I was eager to see what Braithwaite would do with a multi-generational narrative rooted in superstition, grief, and the weight of family legacy.

The novel follows the women of the Falodun family across generations. Set in Lagos, Nigeria, the story opens with death of Monife. On the same day as her funeral, her cousin, Ebun, who she grew up with, gives birth to a daughter, Eniiyi. Eniiyi is the spitting image of Monife, and many believe her to be the reincarnation of her second cousin. As she grows up, Eniiyi spends most of her life trying to outrun Monife’s shadow and the expectations that come with it. 

And if that’s not enough for a young woman to carry, layered on top is the family’s long-held curse: “No man will call your house home. And if they try, they will not have peace.”   This superstition has shaped, and devastated, the lives of Falodun women for generations, and Eniiyi becomes determined to break it.

The novel moves between timelines and perspectives, offering chapters from Eniiy’s present-day life, Monife’s backstory, and Ebun’s experiences as both cousin and mother. Braitwaite builds these threads with care, creating a rich tapestry of love, loss, longing, and the complicated ways women inherit both trauma and strength from those who came before them. 

This novel is rich in content and has much literary depth. With many secondary characters and intertwined histories, the family tree at the front of the book is a welcomed guide. I really enjoyed the journey this novel took me on from its action-packed opening to its satisfying conclusion. It made me think about a lot of things:

• Who decides what stories we inherit? 
• How much of our lives are shaped by our parents and ancestors? 
• And what does it take to break free and create our own path? 

It sparked a lively and meaningful discussion during book club, which is always the sign of a great read. 

Recommendation: This was a wonderful summer read, and I would highly recommend it to someone who enjoys literary fiction and wants a story rooted in a fresh cultural perspective. Braithwaite delivers a unique, thought-provoking that lingers long after the last page. 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.