– B2-C1 (intermediate to advanced) –

Practice Your Listening Comprehension

Practice Your Reading Comprehension

One of my favourite novelists at the moment is fellow Canadian Jane Igharo. So far in her career in authorship she has produced three romances, two of which I have already devoured. And when I say “devoured” I mean devoured. They are so good!

Most stories that are based on romance tend to be rather superficial, where the entire intrigue is rooted in attraction, sex and fantasy. Igharo’s books, however, go beyond the romantic, and often lustful, tropes of the genre and into an exploration of multicultural identity, the immigrant experience, and the female condition.

“The Sweetest Remedy,” in particular, is one of these novels that dive head-first into the complexities and multitudes of humanity. With themes ranging from abandonment and grief, to perspectivism and disconnection with one’s own heritage, this love story is about more than just finding one’s soulmate. It is about finding family, finding forgiveness, and, in the process, finding oneself.

What To Learn

“The Sweetest Remedy” by Jane Igharo is a profound romance novel filled with linguistic elements that an English learner can glean information from:

• Nigerian English

• North American English

• phrasal verbs

• descriptions

• vocabulary topics:

  • immigration

  • cultural identity

  • abandonment

  • death and grief

  • family

  • friendship

  • secrets

  • emotions

  • uncertainty and confusion

  • novelty

  • romance

  • travel

and much more…!

Have you read any of Igharo’s books? What do you think about this one? Are you a fan of romance, in general? Let me know in the comments below.