Elaine Neil Orr’s novel, Dancing Woman, invites readers into the vibrant and complex world of 1960s Nigeria, offering an intimate portrayal of the expat community through the eyes of its protagonist, Isabel, a young American woman. As the wife of a USAID worker, Isabel embarks on a journey of artistic and personal discovery, deeply intertwined with her growing understanding of Nigerian culture. Readers who appreciated Kate Chopin’s The Awakening but desired a more hopeful trajectory for its heroine will find resonance and satisfaction in Dancing Woman.
Isabel, a painter grappling with the constraints of her wifely role on her artistic spirit, echoes Chopin’s Edna in her initial predicament. Yet, Orr carves a distinct path for Isabel. While both women navigate illicit affairs that trigger deeper self-reflection, Isabel’s journey diverges from Edna’s tragic end. Isabel’s narrative arc is largely uplifting; her motherhood, unlike Edna’s, is a source of joy rather than oppression. She cherishes her daughters and becomes a champion for women and girls within her Nigerian community. Isabel actively encourages her husband to extend agricultural training to women and persuades her friend Elise to mentor a young Nigerian girl, aiming to prevent her from entering early marriage. Furthermore, she insists on gender inclusivity in art classes, refusing to teach boys unless girls are also welcomed.
Orr’s personal history, growing up in Nigeria as the daughter of missionaries, lends authenticity and depth to the novel’s setting. The narrative sensitively acknowledges the historical weight of colonialism and the intricate dynamics shaping Isabel’s presence in Nigeria. At times, Isabel’s outsider status leads to missteps and misunderstandings, and the narrative, along with other characters, gently critiques her Western perspectives. A poignant example is Isabel’s desire to “save” a Nigerian girl from early marriage, overlooking the agency and foresight of the girl’s mother, who is already thoughtfully planning her daughter’s future. This nuanced portrayal highlights the novel’s insightful exploration of cultural differences and assumptions.
The central conflict ignites when Isabel’s husband, Nick, preoccupied with his work, misses a planned party at a British guesthouse. Accompanied by a friend, Isabel attends independently and encounters Bobby Tunde, a British-Nigerian musician. Despite their contrasting backgrounds, a shared artistic sensibility sparks a connection. During the guesthouse gathering, a shared moment watching the rain leads to a revealing conversation about their artistic identities, culminating in a brief but significant encounter.
While grappling with the secrecy of her time with Tunde, Isabel discovers a small sculpture of a Dancing Woman in her backyard. Though aware it’s not hers, she develops a profound attachment to it. When Nick and their house manager find her hiding the sculpture, they urge her to return it to the local chief. Anticipating its loss, Isabel is surprised when the chief instead entrusts it to her with a condition: “You must earn the right to keep this sculpture by learning what it has to say to you.”
This task propels Isabel back into her art. Revisiting her watercolor techniques, she seeks to capture the Nigerian landscape. This rekindled creative passion exposes a fundamental disconnect with Nick, who fails to grasp this core aspect of her identity. In contrast, Tunde’s recognition and appreciation of Isabel’s artistic self deeply resonate with her, though she chooses not to pursue the affair. Instead, Isabel channels her energy into artistic growth and self-discovery. This focus on personal development is a compelling strength of the novel. While valuing her family, Isabel’s true fulfillment, seemingly linked to the sculpture’s message, blossoms from within.
Image: The book cover of “Dancing Woman” by Elaine Neil Orr, featuring an abstract depiction of a woman in motion against a warm, textured background, symbolizing the novel’s themes of self-discovery and cultural exploration.
Tension escalates when Isabel gives birth to twins with noticeable physical differences, sparking questions and anxieties about her secret affair. As Isabel navigates motherhood, secrecy, and the enigmatic sculpture, readers are immersed in a richly detailed portrayal of a specific era and location through the evolving perspective of a woman undergoing profound personal transformation. Dancing Woman is primarily character-driven, yet punctuated with moments of intense drama. Isabel’s choices and viewpoints are likely to spark lively discussions, positioning Dancing Woman as an excellent choice for book clubs seeking thought-provoking narratives.
FICTION Dancing Woman By Elaine Neil Orr Blair Published January 21, 2025
