Osato Ayeni

In The Storm Osato Ayeni

In the storm is a journey through the lives of four women, whose friendship with each other span over two decades. Each chapter is a first-person account of the women's experiences, starting from when they are five years old, to when they meet, and then the two decades that follow. It's a story of adversity, heartbreaking loss, tragedy and terrible choices. It's also a story of friendship, joy, love, faith, growth and ultimate triumph. Even though the women begin their life journey in four different parts of Nigeria, they have very similar experiences that ultimately help mold the women they become and bind them together for a lifetime. In the storm is drama packed as the sum of the four women's experiences cover a wide range of issues that I hope readers will connect with. Issues that are rarely discussed and often hidden like depression, physical and sexual abuse, losing loved ones, addiction, peer pressure, domestic abuse and marital indiscretions to name a few. The first four chapters of the book give a first-person account of each woman's life in 1988, when they were each around 5 or 6 years old. I deliberately chose this as the year to introduce my readers to these women because I am a firm believer in the role that the first 6 years of a person's life plays, in determining what that person's perspective and approach to life will be in their adult years. A person's perspective ultimately determines their choices and greatly influences their experiences. As you read In the storm, I hope that you will relate with some of the issues addressed through these women's stories, take solace in knowing that you are not alone and that whatever it is you are dealing with, whatever it is that is currently weighing you down, it can be worked through, it can be overcome and there is redemption and even Joy to be found. In the storm is a beautiful, heartwarming story that reminds all of us of the importance of having a supportive group of friends as well as the existence of that shining light at the end of the very dark tunnel.