These six books from acclaimed Nigerian writers are some that you should, by all means read. With the likes of Chika Unigwe, Helon Habila and Ben Okri in this brief list, the reading experience promises to be unforgettable as they bless us with new works of fiction.
Better Never Than Late – By Chika Unigwe
Award-winning author of “On Black Sister’s Street” and “Phoenix,” Chika Unigwe, stuns us as always with her latest work of fiction, “Better Never Than Late.” The collection of short stories, explores the lives of immigrants in Belgium, their struggles and triumph.
Travellers – By Helon Habila
Helon Habila is no stranger in the literary world. The professor of creative writing, who won the 2001 Caine Prize for African Writing and the Commonwealth Writers Prize for his debut novel, “Waiting for an Angel,” gifts us yet another witty work of fiction “Travellers,” only a few years after the release of his book on the siege of North-East Nigeria by Boko Haram, “The Chibok Girls.” Travellers follows the stories of migrants, especially from African countries, who at some point are at an all-time low and other times we find them outdoing even themselves.
Be(com)ing Nigerian – By Elnathan John
King of satire, two times Caine Prize shortlistee and author of “Born on a Tuesday,” Elnathan John, treats us to another tasty meal of satire with his latest work “Be(com)ing Nigerian.” At once entertaining, yet provocative, “Be(com)ing Nigerian is an insight into politics, religion, civil society, the diaspora, especially as it relates to Nigeria.
A Strangers Pose – By Emmanuel Iduma
Author of the 2012 novel, “The Sound of Things to Come,” Emmanuel Iduma, makes yet another public appearance so to speak, in the form of his latest work of fiction, “A Strangers Pose.” A travelogue documenting conversations, images of places and immigrants.
The Freedom Artist – By Ben Okri
Booker Prize winning author, one of the few African writers who write magical realism, Ben Okri, often compared to the likes of Salman Rushdie and Gabriel Garcia Marquez, comes out with yet another masterpiece. Described as his best work, since his Booker winning book “The Famished Roads,” “The Freedom Artist,” is a must-read and a must-have.
In The Ditch – By Buchi Emecheta
This semi-autobiographical novel from the award winning author of “Joys of Motherhood,” is the ideal book for everyone to read. “In the Ditch,” follows the story of Adah, a young woman separated from her husband, finds herself in the slums of North London, but she is not deterred by her circumstance, she draws strength instead.
