Exploring Dysfunctional Families in Literature: Tolani Akinola's Journey

Tolani Akinola's novel, *Leave Your Mess at Home*, published on April 14, unexpectedly centers on the complexities of family relationships rather than the intended theme of unrequited love. Akinola's exploration of the Longe family reveals the dynamics of a dysfunctional family, characterized by impaired relationships and communication, as defined by the American Psychological Association.

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The Longe family is depicted through four siblings, each embodying distinct archetypal roles: the scapegoat, the golden child, the people pleaser, and the lost child. These roles contribute to their collective dysfunction, as they grapple with their identities and relationships with one another. The siblings, who are second-generation Nigerian immigrants from a working-class background, face the challenge of navigating conflicting cultural expectations while dealing with their individual struggles in love and connection.

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Akinola reflects on the broader implications of family dynamics, noting that family can serve as both a source of belonging and a site of alienation. This duality shapes individual identities and influences how one interacts with the world. The author emphasizes the importance of understanding family backgrounds to fully realize characters and their emotional landscapes.

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Throughout her writing process, Akinola drew inspiration from various literary works that address dysfunctional families. These books provided insights into how family shapes personhood and the complexities of familial love. Akinola acknowledges the comfort and affirmation these readings offered during her writing journey, highlighting the significance of literature in understanding and portraying family dynamics.

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In discussing her novel, Akinola states, "I would need to know who her family had been to her," emphasizing the necessity of familial context in character development. She also notes the prevalence of messy families in literature, questioning what makes them resonate with readers. Akinola expresses gratitude for the literary works that guided her in crafting her narrative, stating, "Writing can be such isolating work, and I'm grateful to have had these books to turn to."

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While Akinola's portrayal of the Longe family is rich and nuanced, some critics may argue that the archetypal roles can oversimplify the complexities of real-life family dynamics. The challenge lies in balancing relatable characterizations with the depth of individual experiences, a task that Akinola navigates through her reflective writing process.

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• “Hoping to fully realize my novel's protagonist and understand her particular way of loving, I would need to know who her family had been to her.” — Tolani Akinola, Author

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• “Writing can be such isolating work, and I'm grateful to have had these books to turn to as a comfort, and a nod of affirmation, along the way.” — Tolani Akinola, Author

New York Observer

In summary, Tolani Akinola's *Leave Your Mess at Home* serves as a poignant exploration of dysfunctional family dynamics, revealing the intricate ways in which family shapes identity and emotional connections. Through her reflections and literary influences, Akinola contributes to the ongoing conversation about the complexities of familial love and belonging.

New York Observer