Toke Makinwa’s memoir “On Becoming” is a memoir that chronicles her life events, which includes family struggles, marriage troubles, and personal growth. The book is divided into three parts: “Discovery,” “Finding Me,” and “Growth.” In the book, Makinwa shared her personal struggles with loss, betrayal, and emotional trauma.
Overall, “On Becoming” is a well-written, engaging memoir that is a compelling read for anyone interested in Makinwa’s life stories. The author’s writing style is fluid, engaging, and easy to follow, which makes the memoir flow smoothly and keeps the reader’s attention throughout.
Despite the engaging writing, there are some criticisms of the book. First and foremost, “On Becoming” has been criticized for being too focused on Makinwa’s personal life and less on her professional life. The book primarily revolves around her relationship with her estranged husband, Maje Ayida, and how she overcame the heartbreak of his infidelity, leaving the reader with little knowledge of Makinwa’s achievements outside of her relationships.
Another criticism of “On Becoming” is how Makinwa uses her story and experiences to generalize about women’s experiences. While Makinwa’s story is undoubtedly a reflection of the experiences of many women, her assumptions and generalizations about the lives of all women can feel prescriptive and reductive.
Furthermore, the book’s honesty has also been criticized for being too graphic and explicit, which can make some readers uncomfortable. The graphic details of Makinwa’s experiences with her estranged husband’s infidelity and sexual escapades can be jarring and not suited for some readers.
In conclusion, “On Becoming” is a memoir that engages readers and provides insight into Makinwa’s life experiences, challenges, and growth. However, the book’s focus on Makinwa’s personal life and lack of information about her professional success may make it less appealing to some readers. Additionally, the author’s use of her story and experiences to generalize about women’s experiences can be prescriptive and reductive. Finally, the explicit nature of some of the content may not be suitable for all readers.
