Aunties, Nurses, and the Power of Storytelling

By Ola Awonubi

There’s a particular kind of magic in stories that bridge continents, generations, and cultures. I’ve always believed that fiction isn’t just entertainment—it’s a vessel for memory, resistance, and joy. This belief shaped the heart of my two latest novels: The Marriage Monitoring Aunties’ Association and A Nurse’s Tale.

💍 The Marriage Monitoring Aunties’ Association:

If you’ve ever had an auntie ask you when you’re getting married—before you’ve even finished your plate of jollof rice—you’ll feel right at home in this book. Inspired by the vibrant chaos of family, tradition, and unsolicited advice, this novel is for fans of Dial A for Aunties, Yinka, Where Is Your Huzband?, and The Bandit Queens. It’s a celebration of meddling love, cultural expectations, and the women who make sure no secret stays buried for long.

“Aunties don’t need permission. They need results.”

🩺 A Nurse’s Tale:

This story is rooted in truth—based on the life of Princess Adenrele Ademola, a Nigerian royal who served as a nurse during WWII. It’s a tale of courage, identity, and the quiet heroism of women who defied expectations. If you were moved by The Nightingale or The Paris Library, this novel will speak to you. It’s not just historical fiction—it’s a reclamation of forgotten legacy.

“She wore her uniform like armour, stitched with dignity and defiance.”

Why These Stories Matter

In a publishing world that often overlooks African narratives unless they’re framed through trauma, I write to reclaim joy, nuance, and complexity. These books are love letters to our aunties, our ancestors, and the women whose stories deserve to be told on their own terms.

If you’re looking for fiction that makes you laugh, cry, and call your friends to talk about the issues highlighted in the book —these are for you.

Get your copy of A Nurse's Tale here

Get your copy of The Marriage Monitoring Aunties Association here

Bio

Ola Awonubi is a British-Nigerian author whose work explores love, heritage, and the resilience of women across generations. Her books include Love’s Persuasion, A Nurse’s Tale, and the upcoming The Marriage Monitoring Aunties’ Association. Winner of multiple writing awards, Ola blends romance and historical fiction with cultural depth and emotional insight. She also writes on Substack as The Resilient Writer.