However, the story does not end in tragedy. Sara Abubakar provides a realistic yet hopeful resolution. Zainab moves to a new apartment in Lagos. She takes the job with her professor, initially living in a modest room. She experiences loneliness, anxiety, and moments of doubt. But she also experiences something new: peace. She begins therapy (a bold inclusion in this cultural context) and slowly rebuilds her identity.
The title itself is a powerful metaphor. "Breaking Ties" refers not just to cutting physical cords with people, but also to severing the psychological, emotional, and even financial bonds that keep an individual tethered to a life of quiet desperation. The story is a bildungsroman—a coming-of-age tale—but one that focuses on emotional maturity rather than simply physical aging. Part One: The Gilded Cage The story opens in a bustling, unnamed city in Northern Nigeria, though the themes are applicable across many patriarchal societies. Zainab is introduced as an intelligent, ambitious university graduate with dreams of a career in law or public policy. She is the eldest daughter in a conservative household, a position that comes with immense responsibility and little reward.
A poignant 4.5/5 stars. Essential reading for fans of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Americanah or Ayobami Adebayo’s Stay With Me . breaking ties by sara abubakar summary
This article provides a thorough summary of "Breaking Ties," explores its central characters, unpacks its major themes, and examines why this story has become a touchstone for discussions about autonomy and emotional liberation. "Breaking Ties" is a work of contemporary fiction that falls squarely within the genre of women's literature and domestic drama. Sara Abubakar constructs a narrative that is both intimate and universally relatable. The story revolves around the life of its protagonist, Zainab , a young woman caught in the suffocating web of familial expectation, toxic relationships, and societal pressure.
The narrative follows her secret plan to leave. With the help of a childhood friend, , who is a divorced and financially independent woman (once shunned by the community), Zainab begins to squirrel away money. She reconnects with a former professor who offers her a job in another city. However, the story does not end in tragedy
For readers who have ever felt trapped by expectation—whether familial, romantic, or societal—this book offers both a mirror and a window. It shows the pain of staying and the terror of leaving, but ultimately, it celebrates the profound peace that comes when you finally decide to break the ties that bind.
The final lines of the book show Zainab looking out her apartment window at the chaotic Lagos skyline, smiling not because she has found a new man or become rich, but because she is finally, irrevocably free. She has broken the ties, and the scars remain, but she is now whole. Zainab (The Protagonist) Zainab is a round, dynamic character. Her arc is the heart of the novel. She transforms from a passive, obedient daughter to an active agent of her own life. Her strength is not loud or aggressive; it is quiet, persistent, and deeply courageous. Musa (The Antagonist) Musa is not a caricature of evil. Abubakar humanizes him just enough to make him realistic. He is a product of a system that taught him that women are property. His tragedy is that he never learns or grows; by the end, he is bitter and confused, unable to understand why Zainab would leave "a good home." Hajiya Fatima (The Mother) Fatima is a tragic figure. She represents the internalized patriarchy. She loves Zainab genuinely, but her love is expressed through the language of endurance and sacrifice. She is a warning about what Zainab could become if she stays. Amina (The Foil) Amina is the liberated counterpart to Zainab. Divorced and thriving, she serves as a living example that breaking ties is possible. She provides the practical and emotional support that Zainab’s biological family cannot. Major Themes 1. Emotional and Financial Abuse The book bravely sheds light on non-physical forms of domestic abuse. Control, isolation, and gaslighting are shown to be as damaging as physical violence. 2. The Burden of Filial Piety "Breaking Ties" critiques the cultural expectation that children, especially daughters, must sacrifice their happiness for family honor. Zainab must learn that honoring oneself is not the same as dishonoring one’s parents. 3. Redefining Strength Strength in this narrative is not about fighting back with fists or words. It is about the courage to walk away. It redefines the "strong woman" as one who knows when to leave, not just when to endure. 4. The Importance of Chosen Family When Zainab’s biological ties are broken, she builds a new family of friends and mentors. The book argues that blood can be thicker than water, but love is thicker than both. 5. Financial Independence as Liberation A recurring motif is money. Zainab’s vulnerability stems from her lack of financial control. Her liberation is directly tied to earning her own income. The book is a pragmatic feminist text, arguing that freedom begins with economic power. Why "Breaking Ties" Matters Sara Abubakar’s "Breaking Ties" is more than just a story; it is a social document. In many cultures across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, divorce and female independence are still heavily stigmatized. This book provides a narrative roadmap for women who feel trapped. It validates the feeling of wanting to leave a "good" home or a "respected" husband. She takes the job with her professor, initially
Her father, Alhaji Usman, is a wealthy businessman who believes a woman’s ultimate success is marriage. Her mother, Hajiya Fatima, though loving, is a product of her environment—she constantly reminds Zainab that "a good woman endures." Zainab’s life is pre-scripted: finish school, get a "respectable" husband, have children, and manage the home.