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The Gods of Women Have Gone Mad

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“A quietly bursting story of a society stuck in the ancient past and in sharp opposition to modernity.” -- Maria Diamond, The Guardian

Rolami is a place of culture, tradition, and gods... and it's a place where young women are circumcised.

Lami, a privileged daughter of a prominent chief, has avoided her forced circumcision for four seasons. But even though she's powerful and determined, she can't escape tradition forever. When her best friend returns from exile to comfort her, Lami discovers that the consequences of her culture's cruel rites of passage are even worse than she had imagined.

Lami and her friends must fight to bring revolution to Rolami. But will their changes be for the better or the worse? That depends on who is telling the story and who is listening...

The Gods of Women Have Gone Mad is at once a raw and candid account of the horrors of female genital mutilation, a heartbreaking coming-of-age dystopian story, and powerful and moving tale of the indomitable spirit of women in the face of immense adversity.

Read The Gods of Women Have Gone Mad with your book club or discussion group and explore some of the most important issues facing women today.

About the author
- Wole Akosile is a psychiatrist and addiction medicine specialist based on the Gold coast. He is also an Afro-Australian author, novelist, and playwright. His works have been performed in several sold-out stage plays at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria in his undergraduate years. When he is not writing, he loves to spend time with his family.

160 pages, Paperback

Published June 11, 2019

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394 people want to read

About the author

Wole Akosile

3 books30 followers
Wole Akosile is an addiction psychiatrist and physician. Based in vibrant Brisbane, Australia. Get ready to be captivated as he artfully crafts stories that not only entertain but also challenge and inspire, connecting us all through the shared threads of our human experience.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Briar's Reviews.
2,314 reviews578 followers
August 1, 2022
The Gods of Women Have Gone Mad by Wole Akosile is a unique take on feminism and how cruel the world can be. This horrific story sees many women through genital mutilation and the adversity of women go through. It's sad and scary, but it is something that still happens in this world. This book is a dystopian tale that weaves a coming of age story and romance all in one brutal retelling.

Lami, our lead lady, has avoided the genital mutilation successfully for many years. Unfortunately, she can't escape the wicked tradition anymore, and is thrust into a world of pain and humiliation. This story is raw and honest with the horrible medical procedure that hurts many women. This society believes women going to marry men should not have pleasure, and that it is a rite the women must go through. It brings up important thoughts on the topic, like how the women are never the same after and how women who have pleasure should not be over sexualized.

Lami is a strong lead and she seeks out the change in society that is obviously needed. She's a truly incredible character that is inspiring, despite all the pain she goes through. The trauma and pain are discussed thoroughly in this book, and is somewhat gentled down with a romance plot to help soften the blow of the unnerving scenes. The romance is quite sweet, rounding out the corners on this horrific story.

I do warn that this book is incredibly brutal and is for sure R rated. It is graphic in detail and has many triggers - female genital mutilation, talks of rape, forced marriage, incest. It's a rough story, but it is based in some of the realities of the past and current situations around the world. It reminded me of the brutality and honesty of The Handmaid's Tale - where you cower and shame what's happening but know very well there are still places where things like this happen.

Overall, this is a powerful tale that will open your eyes to the sad and horrific nature of human kind. Defiance, shame, and trauma are out there in this world and tough. Only we can make a change and try to make the world better, piece by piece like Lami.

Four out of five stars.

I received this book for free from the author, Wole Akosile, in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Deanne Patterson.
2,412 reviews120 followers
July 26, 2019
The cover of this book draws me in.
Taking place in a rural African village this book captivated me.
it is raw,real and an amazing book!
A very strong woman Lami is. She believes change is good and I do too.
I appreciate attention being brought to this ancient practice that is still being practiced today.
Anyone not following the expectations may face condemnation, harassment and ostracism.
A Very eye opening book!
Published on February 20, 2019 by Australian Self Publishing Group.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.


Profile Image for Bookread2day.
2,576 reviews63 followers
November 16, 2019
As soon as I had read the blurb about The Gods of Women Have Gone Mad, I knew I wanted to read it. Once I opened the book and started to read, the first thing I can recommend to you all is that the paragraphs are very nicely set out, the second I can recommend to any reader who is keen on reading this story is that it very easy to follow and an enjoyable story about culture and traditions. The first page alone grabbed my attention, the author Wole Askosile has a way to make even the weather setting exciting to read. the last words on page one I loved, Today, I would live on my own terms, she muttered. I have to recommend reading The Gods of Women Have Gone Mad.
1 review
July 4, 2019
I loved the book cover and this drew me in. The book is raw, real and the characters are relatable. I appreciate the heroes being flawed and not perfect. Even though I had finished the book I kept carrying it with me. The author was able to draw me into a totally different world. Very eye opening too. Highly recommended.
1 review1 follower
August 1, 2019
Rarely would you have a Psychiatrist delve into writing an exciting story so impactful, that it fuses entertainment and culture brilliantly. It is very captivating and delves into a bold topic you would rather ponder in the corner of your room. Wole Akosile’s debut novel is timeless and a classic. It is a must read for any one out there.
Profile Image for Zara's Corner.
175 reviews77 followers
September 22, 2019
The story centres around a place called Rolami and a girl who is trying to get people to rethink the tradition of FGM and see the trauma, physically and mentally, that it causes the young girls throughout their reproductive lives.

The opening scene shows the despondency that this pioneering girl experienced because she felt that all her efforts to change a 1000 year old tradition failed, resulting in her trying to commit suicide, albeit unsuccessfully, and as punishment for the shame that she brought upon her family was forced to have FGM done on her anyway.

It became very clear throughout the novel that this tradition was primarily geared as a control mechanism for women as the men blamed them for being promiscuous and not admitting to their own promiscuity. These issues are only just touching the tip of the iceberg. There is a lot more contained in this book’s 160 pages.

The subject matter of this book (Female circumcision aka FGM) is very serious and still happening in some countries in the world today. The way the book is written makes it easy to read in that the language used is easily accessible to whoever the reader is. The reader is given an insight into the culture, and belief structure that allows this practice to continue.

I was drawn into this story from the very first chapter often finding myself getting lost in the story and forgetting about what was happening around me. I had huge difficulty putting this book down. It’s a well written story even though the story is extremely harrowing.
Profile Image for Lianne.
66 reviews2 followers
September 8, 2019
“I will protect you, Lami, but you need to trust me. You can’t do it alone.” These words from the male protagonist Mudi foreshadow the complexity that characterizes the characters from The Gods of Women Have Gone Mad written by Afro-Australian author, novelist, and playwright Wole Akosile. The potent and powerful tale regales the reader with the story of Lami, a self-absorbed and privileged daughter of the one of the village chiefs. Although not always likable, Lami challenges the status quo and patriarchal traditions as well as the subjugation of women. Without thought of the personal risk, Lami is vocal in her defiance of the ritual of women’s circumcision. Although often painful, this book should be read by all adults due to the topical issues. Kudos to the author for illuminating such controversial and often little-known topics that still exist! Lianne, from the Kindle Book Review,received a free copy of this book for an independent, fair, and honest review.
1 review
July 22, 2019
This is an extraordinary book, raw and moving. At times it is a difficult and uncomfortable read but all the more rewarding because of it. It is testament to the indomitable courage of women in the face of cultural discrimination and prejudice and a credit to the author for crafting it.
2 reviews1 follower
July 23, 2019
It’s an interesting book. It shows an intriguing insight into societies that hold onto harmful traditional practices and it also highlights the never ending struggles against norms and traditions in the society.
1 review
July 21, 2019
Quite interesting. Engaging, topical story. Will love to read more from Wole.
1 review1 follower
August 4, 2019
Brilliant book . I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I strongly recommend it to all. His writing style is unique and engaging. I am expecting more from this author.
2 reviews5 followers
June 15, 2019
This is a well-crafted engaging story about a young lady committing class suicide in a rural African community by leading some sort of "me too movement" against traditional beliefs that alienate women in her community. The pace and the twists and turns are really good. The characters are well developed and easy to identify with. I recommend this book to everyone.
1 review1 follower
July 5, 2019
A very good book about a topical issue. A masterpiece the whole world needs to read about a very important issue. Thank you to the author for the courage to write a beautiful story about the issue. I recommend this book to everyone. I have recommended it to my book club as well. I look forward to more from Wole Akosile.
705 reviews5 followers
July 4, 2019
Their some tough spots to get through and the author does a good job with raw facts. I am looking forward to more from Wole Akosile.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1 review
July 5, 2019
I loved reading this book. It was amazing. I loved it so much I read it twice. Just simply an excellent book. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Steph Warren.
1,760 reviews39 followers
March 17, 2020
*I received a free ARC of this book, with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*

Wole Akosile explores what happens when the hammer of change meets the anvil of tradition, and one woman is trapped between the two. But will Lami be forged and tempered into a stronger character, or broken… shattered by the powerful social forces on either side?

The subject matter here is very graphic, and the author does not shy away from presenting masturbation, suicidal thoughts and actions, violence and Female Genital Mutilation in language that is unflinchingly direct. The treatment of women in traditional cultural rituals is placed side by side with more modern ideas and beliefs, and we can clearly see how hard it is for the men and women sitting right on the cusp of societal change to see clearly or think dispassionately about such matters, when they are so deeply entrenched in their daily lives.

The story plunges straight into Lami’s worst moment, then follows her as she deals with the aftermath of what has been done to her, and the conflicted attitudes of those around her – even friends, family and her (modern-thinking) betrothed. We see how Lami’s society can simultaneously revere women in the form of the goddess they worship and the high-status elder women who perform their traditional rituals, but also how most women are treated as commodities to be bought, sold and beaten at a man’s whim, or rewards to be dished out to favoured men.

The information and the moral dilemmas the characters face are fascinating and the plot is gripping, but unfortunately the story ends rather abruptly just as it feels like it is really taking off. Loose ends are left trailing and the reader is left to decide the end results of Lami’s actions on her society. Personally I believe her bravery and moral strength deserved a hopeful ending, but I did want to see what would happen next.

This is quite a short novel, but brutal in its honestly about some of the suffering inflicted upon women in the name of the gods. So not a casual read but an important one, given the general lack of information around this topic.



The beautiful lady in ceremonial dress was Lami, the outspoken daughter of the respected village mediator and scribe, Magda. She had been vocal in her defiance of the circumcision ritual. It was the norm, a rarely questioned tradition, until Lami started to talk about it. Her speeches at the stream had given the other young women a new perspective. They had dared to dream, dared to hope things could change. She had tried to change the status quo. Alas! While there was nothing unusual about the ceremony itself, the person in question today made it something out of the ordinary. She had been defiant to this tradition.

– Wole Akosile, The Gods of Women Have Gone Mad

Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
4 reviews
July 25, 2019
It was an excellent book and an eye opener for me. I enjoyed reading it. The book deals with very important issues that I think need more attention and affects lots of women around the world. I found myself routing for Lami and falling in love with Mudi. The author did a good job. I would read this book over and over again. I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Celia Buell (semi hiatus).
632 reviews32 followers
October 3, 2021
I expected a powerful African feminism novel addressing an issue that demands to be spoken more about, female genital mutilation (FGM) in Africa. Unfortunately, while it addressed this important issue, I just couldn't connect with the story or its characters.

I feel like this novel had a lot of potential but the writing just fell flat. The characters had clear motives, but the author does a lot of telling, not showing, of what these motives were. I would have loved to see, for example, more of the perfect relationship between Lami and Mudi, and even more so, read what Lami said at her demonstrations at the river. Instead, we learned that they were in love, and that she demonstrated at the river. Everything in the past.

For a first novel, I understand where it might be harder to develop some of these things, and I still think Wole Akosile makes an important point in addressing FGM, especially as a male writer. If he writes another book I have the opportunity to read, I would look forward to seeing how he grows as a writer, especially if he chooses to write more on this harrowing subject. Again, this story has a lot of potential but is just not quite there yet.

Disclaimer:
Profile Image for KayBee's Bookshelf.
1,822 reviews58 followers
January 10, 2020
The author did a good job of setting the stage and bringing me as a reader into the rural African setting that the story takes place. The raw and vivid delivery in which the author brings Lami's plight to life was well done. The story flowed well, the characters were developed and I would recommend this story to readers who would enjoy a great cultural read on traditions and change.
Profile Image for Mary Eve.
588 reviews2 followers
May 28, 2020
The Gods of Women Have Gone Mad


My heart hurts for the young women forced to endure the barbaric practice of circumcision. I understand traditional customs and beliefs. What I don't get—in today's enlightened, modern world WHY is this still occurring? If I was a citizen of Rolami
I'd be one of those women standing with Lami, fighting for change and equality.

“It’s a tale written by the victors of war so that their praise may be sung to high heavens by succeeding generations. It’s an embellishment of facts, a bedtime tale used to indoctrinate a new generation with the culture of lies. I fear not how history remembers me. I do not give a damn. Today is the day I don’t want to forget in a hurry. It’s a day I want carved into the memory of all who live in Rolami for years to come. It’s a day of atonement, and there will be blood—”
Profile Image for Pam.
2 reviews
February 15, 2020
Compelling Story; Mediocre Writing

The story itself is interesting enough, but the writing is mediocre at best. I was interested enough in the story and where it might lead to keep reading. And, up until the last chapter, truly felt as though Akosile had a fairly good story on their hands that just needed polishing. However, the final chapter was a disappoinment that made me feel like just as the story was truly taking off, the author bailed, ending it ubruptly and leaving far too many loose ends.
2 reviews1 follower
June 9, 2022
The Gods of Women Have Gone Mad is a debut novel by Australian psychiatrist Wole Akosile. The book is set in Romali, a village in Africa and follows the story of Lami, daughter of a village chief. The story opens with her running away to avoid an enforced circumcision.
The book, in the style of a Greek tragedy, has multiple themes which steadily unfold, chapter by chapter, each with a shocking, tragic often violent event and monologues which outline the characters’ internal conflicts and moral dilemmas.
The inhabitants of the village are trapped by centuries of traditions - and life is ruled by elders and the wishes of the gods. It is a society where most women are marginalised and the young, even though they can sense the need for change, are disempowered to resist and have a voice. Free thought and free will are not encouraged or tolerated.
Themes include female circumcision, child brides, incontinent women with untreated fistulas after childbirth who are banished to life in a separate village where they are essentially prostituted, suicide, domestic violence, tribal warfare and polygamy, amongst others.
Whilst the setting is African, the themes of female autonomy, abuse of power, the role of historical pagan or religious practices and traditions in modern society and the ability for any society to evolve and not be wedded forever to its past and never learn from it are universal ones.
This is a commendable and thought-provoking read.
1 review1 follower
August 25, 2019
Incredibly entertaining; that’s how to describe The Gods of Women Have Gone Mad. It is a book that raises topical issues about the rights of a girl child in a historically patriarchal society. It deals with themes such as toxic masculinity and our profound preoccupation with a female’s sexuality and Chastity. There is also an imperfect love story within it.

Though is discusses some strong themes, it’s yet entertaining, I could not put the book down till I finished it. It a wonderful book. I recommend for all to read . You won’t be able to put it down until you read the last page.
Profile Image for Sarah Kate.
Author 4 books11 followers
December 28, 2022
I read this in only a few sittings, I couldn't stop thinking about what would happen next and wanted to know.
Wole really gets you thinking about a range of important societal topics and the inconsistencies in our societies between men and women, and how traditions aren't always there to help us and don't always make sense in the now.
I'd really recommend this. It gets you thinking and you get to experience culture all in one book. I learned a lot, too.
And, of course, all importantly, #EndFGM

Thanks for the good read, Wole.
2 reviews
January 28, 2024
Great book. Very well crafted. Sustains great emotion. The Gods of Women Have Gone Mad by Wole Akosile is a unique take on feminism and the dept of cultural dynamics. The experience of women genital mutilation and impact is concerning.

Lami is a dedicated woman who remained resilience despite the pain and difficult experience. I admired how the author brought the concept of romance to ameliorate the effect of the unbelievable brutality - forced marriages etcetera.

Great book from an exceptional author.
1 review1 follower
September 30, 2019
I was captivated from the first page. The author draws you in and holds your attention from page to page as you get to know the protagonist. Lami is an inspiring and progressive young girl who challenges the culture of her people. Through her, the author brings to our attention the very real issue that is still practiced in many parts of the world to this day. It is confronting but it should be nothing else. A real eye opener. Thank you for the platform to have these conversations

1 review
August 5, 2019
This is a very beautiful book , I was drawn to the book by its captivating title and front cover. I barely could put it down once I started reading. I enjoyed the proverbs and kept on cheering Lami through her struggles. I highly recommend this novel.
1 review
August 15, 2019
The cover of this book caught my attention, the story is even better than the cover. I found myself rooting for Lami the main character and wanting so desperately for her to succeed. I enjoyed my reading experience with this book.
1 review
August 5, 2019
An engaging story of a female superhero. Many more books like this are needed. Very well written.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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