Miranda Ifedigbo's debut novel, "Sexual Transgressions: A Chain of Events," explores the devastating consequences that occur when a deeply personal secret is suddenly revealed. Isaiah Owens, a beloved pastor, father and husband from a prominent African-American family has such a secret, and when an unexpected event causes Owen's secret to be revealed, his family is forced to cope with the crisis resulting from his deception. "Sexual Transgressions" is the story of human frailty and disillusion; a salient reminder that even those held in the highest regard are far from perfect, and perfectly capable of falling below our expectations.

Sexual Transgressions: A Chain of Events

Miranda Ifedigbo
AuthorHouse (2006)
ISBN 9781425956264
Reviewed by Cherie Fisher for Reader Views (2/07)


“Sexual Transgressions: A Chain of Events” is Miranda Ifedigbo’s debut novel.  It is a story about family entanglements, human failings and heroism.  I found the whole story very interesting but something so shocking happens in the middle of the story that I could not put down the book from that point on until I had finished it.  The book also comes with a nice addition of a CD with two of Ifedigbo’s songs that are referenced throughout the novel.  The songs are beautifully written and sung. 

The main character, Madison Owens, seems to have it all.  She is a very successful 38- year-old corporate attorney on the fast track to make partner at her firm.  She has a close knit family that she loves very much, especially her brother Isaiah, a prominent, well-loved minister.  Isaiah appears to have an enviable life, a job he loves, a wife and child who adore him, great friends and a beautiful home.   He is enormously successful and his services are usually filled to capacity with people turning to him for spiritual guidance.  But Isaiah has secrets that would destroy everything he has built, and lives in constant fear of exposure. 
 
Very early in the story, Madison Owens is awakened from her sleep by the persistent ringing of the doorbell and she does not realize that her life will never be the same again as she opens the door.  All families have secrets and the ones that are being hidden by hers will destroy some lives and forever change others.  The author does a great job exploring human emotions and weaknesses and was not afraid to show people at their very worst.  As the secrets are unleashed and the characters are pushed to the brink of despair, Madison and her sister Victoria manage to reach deep inside to find strength, dignity and forgiveness.  Life goes on and in the midst of all this crisis and pain Madison is surprised to find a love that she has never experienced. 

Overall, I found the book to be a very enjoyable read.  I would recommend “Sexual Transgressions: A Chain of Events” to anyone who enjoys a good drama.  The well thought out list of group study questions at the end make it perfect for a book club selection.  Ms. Ifedigbo is obviously a very talented writer and an accomplished musician.  I hope to see more of her books published in the near future.