REVIEW: Ties that Tether by Jane Igharo

Ties that Tether by Jane Igharo: In our contemporary world, we often need reminders that family, social structure and traditions are the things that shape our identity, and in turn, create who we become for better or for worse as a tie to our cultural heritage. And sometimes it is essential we push painfully beyond those cultural expectations to discover who we are as opposed to who we should be as a means of truly following our heart. As if by fate, a blind date prearranged by an overbearing mother and a random hook up that shortly followed said date disaster, was a thrilling way to launch head first into Ties that Tether.

Azere and Raphael, are immediately magnetised; the chemistry and comfort between them leading to a steamy and out-of-character one night stand in a Toronto hotel, that even a month down the track still had both of our central characters reeling from. And then, the job that brought Raphael to Toronto in the first place, just happens to be at the same advertising company that Azere works for. And then, even better, Azere realizes she is pregnant. As one fateful moment shifts to another, our two star-crossed lovers end up in a bitter sweet romance that is punctuated by Azeres’ mother who insists and expects she marry a Nigerian man.

This future marriage obligation is also manifest given Azere had promised her late father before he passed and prior to her family’s immigration to Canada, that she indeed would. Sadly, the road to happy ever after is potholed with cultural clashes for both Raphael and Azere; Raphael similarly coming from a strong Spanish background wherein his mother, whilst not as controlling as Azere’s, still expects his child to hold a Spanish name as a way of keeping his culture alive.

For our true fairytale believers, Ties that Tether will become a cross-cultural conundrum of the heart, not dissimilar to Rome and Juliette (minus the tragedy), in that duty, obligation, expectation and age old traditions pave the way rather than the very soul-mateish bond that should ultimately be the driving force. This, mixed in with some secrecy from Raphael leads to some age old questions – what are we willing to give up for the person we love, and ultimately, at what cost? Well paced and beautifully written, this modern and romantic take on interracial relationships will leave you frustrated, heart-sore and completely sympathetic to the plight of our two heroes and crossing fingers, toes, legs and arms that a happy ever after is somehow attainable.

Book Info:

Publication: 29th September 2020 | Berkley |

When a Nigerian woman falls for a man she knows will break her mother’s heart, she must choose between love and her family.

At twelve years old, Azere promised her dying father she would marry a Nigerian man and preserve her culture even after emigrating to Canada. Her mother has been vigilant about helping–forcing–her to stay well within the Nigerian dating pool ever since. But when another match-made-by-mom goes wrong, Azere ends up at a bar, enjoying the company and later sharing the bed of Rafael Castellano, a man who is tall, handsome, and white.

When their one-night stand unexpectedly evolves into something serious, Azere is caught between her growing feelings for Rafael and the compulsive need to please her mother who will never accept a relationship that threatens to dilute Azere’s Nigerian heritage.

Azere can’t help wondering if loving Rafael makes her any less of a Nigerian. Can she be with him without compromising her identity? The answer will either cause Azere to be audacious and fight for her happiness or continue as the compliant daughter.