Reading Guide
From The Sweetest Remedy
The Sweetest Remedy by Jane Igharo
When a woman travels to Nigeria to attend the funeral of the father she never knew, she meets her extravagant family for the first time, a new and inspiring love interest, and discovers parts of herself she didn't know were missing, from Jane Igharo, the acclaimed author…
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Reader's Guide
The Sweetest Remedy by Jane Igharo
Discussion Questions:
1. There are a lot of strong characters in the Jolade family. Which member do you identify with the most?
2. Hannah learns a lot about Nigeria through the course of the book. Do you think she was surprised by anything she discovered? How did it meet her expectations, and how was it different? What parts of Nigeria were you familiar with? Did you learn anything new about the country as you were reading?
3. Hannah’s father had an interesting way of teaching his children about prejudice. For example, he pulled them from the comfort of their country and sent them to a boarding school in England. What do you think of his methods? Would you have done things differently?
4. How did the appreciation of the Nigerian culture or lack of it shape Segun, Shola, and Damilola?
5. Identity is multifaceted. How is that portrayed in this book?
6. In Akwa Ibom, Lawrence said, “You don’t have to rely on your father to determine the kind of man you want to be. You don’t have to rely on anyone but yourself.” How do you think this quote helped Hannah and even Segun?
7. How do you think Hannah’s relationship with her mother changed throughout the novel?
8. Hannah had a pivotal moment in the café when she realized the absence of her father had affected her in many ways. What were some of those ways?
Jane Abieyuwa Igharo was born in Nigeria and immigrated to Canada at the age of twelve. She has a journalism degree from the University of Toronto and works as a communications specialist and voice over actress in Ontario, Canada. She writes about strong, audacious, beautifully flawed Nigerian women much like the ones in her life.
