Cursed Daughters by Oyinkan Braithwaite

How hard is Cursed Daughters to read?

Cursed Daughters scores 57 out of 100 for difficulty on ReadingRate, making it quite demanding. The score is a weighted composite of nine measures: four of how hard the prose is to parse, five of how hard the meaning is to extract.

Vocabulary: 48 out of 100

The vocabulary is contemporary and accessible, with some Nigerian slang and cultural references (e.g., "gangan," "aso ebi," "mamalawo"). While not overly complex, the inclusion of Yoruba terms without explicit translation might pose a minor challenge for some readers. This is similar to *The Great Gatsby* in that the vocabulary is accessible, but the cultural context adds a layer of understanding.

Sentence structure: 50 out of 100

The sentences are generally straightforward, with a mix of short, declarative statements and longer, more descriptive passages. There are instances of dialogue and internal monologue that contribute to the narrative flow. The syntax is comparable to *The Great Gatsby* in its balance and readability.

Abstraction: 55 out of 100

The narrative primarily focuses on the concrete experiences and relationships of the characters, particularly Ebun and Monife. While the story explores themes of family, love, and loss, it does so through the lens of their daily lives and interactions. This is similar to *Remains of the Day*, where emotional abstraction exists beneath a surface narrative.

Information density: 58 out of 100

The book presents a moderate amount of information per page, balancing plot development with character exploration and cultural context. The narrative moves at a steady pace, revealing details about the characters and their world gradually. This is comparable to *The Great Gatsby* in its compressed but clear storytelling.

Narrative indirection: 68 out of 100

The narrative relies on some degree of inference, particularly in understanding the characters' motivations and the underlying tensions within the family. The reader must piece together the significance of the family curse and its impact on the characters' lives. This is similar to *Midnight's Children* in that the reader must piece together multiple timelines and character motivations.

Symbolic density: 62 out of 100

The novel incorporates symbolic elements, such as the mermaid imagery in the prologue and the significance of the Falodun family curse. These symbols add layers of meaning to the narrative, inviting readers to interpret their significance in relation to the characters' experiences. This is similar to *Heart of Darkness* in that the journey is symbolic.

Ironic distance: 48 out of 100

There is some ironic distance in the narrative, particularly in the contrast between the characters' expectations and the realities of their lives. The humor and social commentary provide a layer of irony, but the emotional engagement remains relatively direct. This is comparable to *Moby-Dick* in that there is humor amid tragedy.

Resolution withholding: 65 out of 100

The ending withholds complete resolution, leaving some questions unanswered about the characters' futures and the ultimate fate of the family curse. The ambiguity invites readers to contemplate the ongoing impact of the past on the present. This is similar to *Lolita* in that the aftermath is known but the meaning is open.

Structural complexity: 50 out of 100

The narrative structure is relatively straightforward, with a chronological progression and a clear point of view. However, the inclusion of flashbacks and the exploration of multiple characters' perspectives add some complexity. This is similar to *The Great Gatsby* in its use of retrospection and flashbacks.

How Cursed Daughters is regarded

Cursed Daughters holds a literary regard score of 25 out of 100, weighing its place in the canon, its critical reception, its influence on other writers, and the standing of its author. Regard is measured separately from difficulty: a demanding book is not necessarily an admired one.

About the author

Oyinkan Braithwaite