WHERE THE CHILDREN TAKE US

Homage to an indomitable woman and her remarkable journey.

CNN anchor Asher makes her book debut with a vibrant memoir of her “tough-love” immigrant family, headed by her resolute mother—“breadwinner, nurturer, disciplinarian, cook, cleaner”—who instilled in her children a “succeed-at-all-costs” mentality. Obiajulu Ejiofor and her husband, Arinze, moved from Nigeria to London in the 1970s, having survived a brutal civil war and a two-year famine. While Arinze pursued a medical degree, Obiajulu enrolled in the pharmacy program at the University of London. When she graduated, the couple obtained a loan to open their own pharmacy, a business that supported them and their children. In 1988, however, tragedy struck: While Arinze and their 11-year old son, Chiwetel, were visiting Nigeria, they were involved in a horrific automobile accident; Arinze was killed and Chiwetel, severely injured. As an immigrant in South London, with three children and pregnant with a fourth, Obiajulu faced a daunting future. But despite her grief, she made an unwavering commitment to raise her children to become “ambitious, talented, and disciplined.” Chiwetel is an Oscar-nominated actor; the author’s sister is a physician; another brother is a successful businessman. For Obiajulu, education was paramount. To make sure her children were well prepared for their assignments, Obiajulu devoted every evening to study sessions, and she gave the children reading lists and quizzed them on their comprehension. When 9-year-old Asher seemed to be floundering, her mother sent her back to Nigeria for two years, where children showed adults “unquestioned obedience.” She hung photos of famous Nigerians around the house to serve as role models. When the children were distracted by TV, she sliced the cable. To keep them from wasting time on phone calls with friends, she installed a pay phone. Refusing to be undermined by poverty and racism, Obiajulu, writes the author, “fought with every fiber of her being for her family.” Asher delivers a well-written chronicle of absolute determination and familial devotion.

A wholly inspiring portrait of an extraordinary immigrant family.