''The Virgin'' is the 1985

debut novel A debut novel is the first novel a novelist publishes. Debut novels are often the author's first opportunity to make an impact on the publishing industry, and thus the success or failure of a debut novel can affect the ability of the author to pu ...

by Nigerian writer

Bayo Adebowale Bayo Adebowale (born 6 June 1944) is a Nigerian novelist, poet, professor, critic, librarian and founder of the African Heritage Library and Cultural Centre, Adeyipo, Ibadan Oyo State Early life and education He was born on 6 June 1944 in Ibada ...

. The novel, published in 1985, narrated the dilemma of a young village girl who after being deflowered must choose between three suitors, and agonizes about her secret being discovered on her wedding night. Scholar Wendy Griswold classifies ''The Virgin'' as a "village novel", a book that deals with the mores of a traditional Nigerian village, in the same vein as some works by

Chinua Achebe Chinua Achebe (; born Albert Chinụalụmọgụ Achebe; 16 November 1930 – 21 March 2013) was a Nigerian novelist, poet, and critic who is regarded as a central figure of modern African literature. His first novel ''Things Fall Apart'' ( ...

Plot

A girl from a Yoruba village is engaged to a hunter from another village. Having been seduced by a man returning to the village from his life in a Nigerian city, she nervously awaits her wedding night.

Background

Adebowale is considered a member of the "

third generation Third generation, Generation III, Gen 3 or Gen III may refer to: * ''Third Generation'' (album), a 1982 album by Hiroshima * ''The Third Generation'' (1920 film), an American drama film directed by Henry Kolker * ''The Third Generation'' (1979 fi ...

" of Nigerian authors, whose works generally deal with more cosmopolitan themes than earlier generations of Nigerian writers. However, unlike other members of the "third generation", Adebowale's work deals with rural life in Nigeria, particularly life in small villages. ''The Virgin'' is an example of one such work; Adebowale believes that Nigerian writers and artists have a duty to examine and reflect on traditional Nigerian life.

Film adaptation

Tunde Kelani Tunde Kelani (born February 26,1946), popularly known as TK, is a Nigerian filmmaker. In a career spanning more than four decades, TK specialises in producing movies that promote Nigeria's cultural heritage, particularly that of the Yoruba. He ...

wrote the screenplay and directed a 95-minute film version, titled '' The Narrow Path'', filmed and released on 12 May 2006. The film starred

Sola Asedeko Sola Asedeko is a Nigerian film actress, Filmmaking, film-maker and director. She is popularly known as ''Abeni'' for her lead role in Abeni (film), Abeni, a 2006 Nigerian film, produced and directed by Tunde Kelani. Early life Asedeko was born ...

, Ayo Badmus and Khabirat Kafidipe while the sound track was written and produced by

Beautiful Nubia Beautiful Nubia is the performing name for Segun Akinlolu (born 11 November 1968), a Nigerian-born songwriter, music composer and band leader. Beautiful Nubia and the Roots Renaissance Band is Nigeria's foremost Contemporary folk music ...

. The film was edited by Mumin Wale Kelani and Frank Efe Patrick and the costume was designed by Abiola Atanda Much of the dialogue and narration is taken directly from the novel. The film is considered faithful to the book in spite of the latter's non-traditional narrative.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Virgin, The 1985 debut novels 1985 Nigerian novels Nigerian English-language novels Fiction about virginity Nigerian novels adapted into films