Nnu Ego, a woman defined by her devotion to motherhood, faces the devastating realization that her sacrifices have left her isolated in a rapidly changing society. As she navigates the complexities of 1950s Lagos, Nnu Ego struggles to reconcile her traditional expectations of maternal fulfillment with the harsh realities of urban poverty and patriarchal constraints. Her objective is to secure a future for her children, yet the societal structures of polygamy and economic instability constantly undermine her efforts. The narrative, presented with a sharp, observant tone, tracks her life from her early hopes to her eventual, solitary middle age.

This novel is widely recognized as a seminal work in African literature, frequently cited for its unflinching examination of the female experience in post-colonial Nigeria. Critics often highlight Emecheta's ability to balance the personal tragedy of Nnu Ego with broader sociological commentary on the burdens of motherhood. The work is frequently studied for its nuanced portrayal of how patriarchal traditions can alienate women even within the domestic sphere they are expected to master. Readers often note the irony embedded in the title, which serves as a poignant critique of the societal pressures placed upon women to find their sole identity in their children.