“At every Nigerian party, there’s one bride, one groom, and at least ten aunties auditioning for matchmaker of the year.” Love Happens Eventually centres on Nifemi Ajayi, a 35-year-old Nigerian woman navigating love, family expectations and the quest for personal fulfilment.
Through a dramatic and comedic moment, she meets Dr Esosa, “Mr Cool Fine Guy”, a calm and charming doctor who instantly draws her in. Meanwhile, her moral compass is further complicated by the growing attachment she has with Toba, her “familial uncle.”
The book places itself as a humorous and poignant exploration of contemporary love in Nigerian society. Love Happens Eventually is not just a romance novel; it is a portrait of womanhood, identity, and cultural expectations. The author has vividly portrayed Nifemi’s world, capturing the boisterous nature of weddings and parties in a Nigerian family life.
Nifemi’s witty and intelligent personality makes her instantly relatable. As she experiences the complexity of dating and love, her journey from self-doubt to self-assurance is both humorous and touching. Her relationship with her grandfather is as comforting as a cup of warm tea on a cold Sunday morning. In contrast, her emotionally weighted and dramatic engagement with Toba gradually unravels as the story continues.
The author beautifully portrayed emotional exhaustion and a yearning for peace in the latter part of the story. From there on, the book keeps you teetering on the edge of your seat with uncertainty after uncertainty. The ending celebrates inner peace and maturity rather than some kind of grand romantic gesture.
In a world obsessed with ‘happily ever after,’ Love Happens Eventually reminds one that happiness comes in many forms. It also stresses that love’s timing is always unpredictable. The book shines most in its authenticity of the dialogues, familial dynamics, and humour, making it stand out in a crowded genre.
Some instances feel a bit too introspective. Nifemi reanalyses the same emotions multiple times, and her inner arguments about what she “shouldn’t” feel for Toba felt like déjà vu.
All in all, it is a heartfelt story that stays with you long after you’ve closed the book.
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