READERS GUIDE

TIES THAT TETHER by Jane Igharo
Reader’s Guide

1. Azere describes her Canadian citizenship as a titlethat is both empowering and demanding because itrequires her to give up part of her Nigerian cultureso she can fit into her Canadian setting. Do youthink many immigrants believe their citizenship isboth empowering and demanding? Why or why not?

2. What do you think of the promise Azere made to herfather? How do you think the promise constructedher perception of what a Nigerian woman should be?

3. When Azere is around her family, she doesn’t feel thepressure of being wedged between two worlds.According to her, she isn’t Nigerian Canadian, butjust Nigerian. Do you think some immigrants oftenhave two sides to them—onethey present to theworld and one they reserve for the comfort of family?Why do you think that is?

4. Both Azere and Rafael experienced the death of loved ones. How do you think their losses impacted the development of their relationship and how they interacted with each other?

5. Azere’s mother was often harsh. Knowing her actions were provoked by fear— fear that her children would lose their culture— do you think they were justified?Why do you think this?

6. What role do you think Azere’s family and friends played in her growth? Who do you think was the most influential character in her development and why?

7. Azere constantly compares her experiences to romantic movies. What was your favorite movie reference and why?

8. In the novel, Azere’s mother asks: How much more of yourself, of your culture will you lose to accommodate him in your life? Do you think people who marry outside of their ethnicity have to give up part of their culture in order to make their relationship work?Why or why not?

9. Azere’s mom and Rafael’s parents are immigrants. How do they approach preserving their cultures with their children? How do their methods differ?