Books matching: nigerian culture and setting
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- #1
Save:A delightfully dark, fast-paced, and totally original read about family, loyalty, and the messiness we inherit - perfect for those who like their fiction sharp and a little bit twisted.
'My Sister, the Serial Killer' by Oyinkan Braithwaite is a darkly comedic tale set in Nigeria, exploring the complex relationship between two sisters, Korede and Ayoola. Korede, a nurse, finds herself repeatedly cleaning up after Ayoola, who has a habit of killing her boyfriends. As the story unfolds, tensions rise when Ayoola sets her sights on the man Korede has feelings for, leading to a series of events that test the sisters' loyalty and bond. The book delves into themes of family dynamics, sisterhood, jealousy, and the blurred lines between protection and enabling.
The writing style of the book is described as sharp, concise, and quick-paced. The short chapters and dark humor woven throughout the narrative keep readers engaged as they follow the moral dilemmas faced by Korede and the twisted antics of her sister Ayoola. The story not only offers a glimpse into Nigerian culture but also prompts contemplation on deeper issues such as familial obligation, surviving abuse, and the complexities of relationships within a patriarchal society.
Have you heard this one before? Two girls walk into a room. The room is in a flat. The flat is on the third floor. In the room is the dead body of an adult male. How do they get the body to the ground...November 2018•236 pages - #2
Save:A truly one-of-a-kind fever dream - bizarre, bold, and bursting with mythic energy. Not for everyone, but unforgettable for those in the mood for something completely original.
The Palm-Wine Drinkard by Amos Tutuola is a fantastical tale following the adventures of the main character, an alcoholic who must retrieve his tap man after he dies. The story is filled with mythical creatures, magical realism, and surreal events, all narrated in a unique cadence of broken English that adds depth and authenticity to the narrative. The protagonist embarks on a journey through various bushes in search of the Dead Lands to bring back his tap man and continue enjoying his daily supply of palm wine.
Amos Tutuola's writing style in The Palm-Wine Drinkard is described as both absurd and epic, with a defying use of grammar that enhances the storytelling. The book combines elements of African folklore, surrealism, and weird fiction, creating a darkly fantastical and sensually vivid world that is both mesmerizing and immersive. Tutuola's ability to transport the reader into a magical realm while maintaining a connection to the African bush through ancient storytelling traditions makes this book a captivating and unique literary experience.
I was a palm-winedrinkard since I was a boy of ten years of age. I had no other workmore than to drink palm-wine in my life. In those days we did notknow other money, except COWRIES, so that everythin...1952•134 pages Surprising, bold, and full of cultural insight, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives is messy and honest - just like the family at its center. Not everyone will love its soap-opera vibes or every character, but lovers of drama, culture, and secrets won’t want to miss it.
The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives by Lola Shoneyin is a thought-provoking novel set in Nigeria, centered around Bolanle, the youngest and most educated wife of Baba Segi. The story delves into the complexities of a polygamous family as each wife's secrets and motives are revealed through alternating viewpoints, leading to jealousy, rivalry, and unexpected consequences within the household. The writing style includes vivid details, humor, shocking moments, and a mix of tones ranging from satirical to tragic, providing a deep exploration of Nigerian customs, culture, and traditions.
IDIDN’T JUST HAPPEN upon this room; I dreamed of the pale green walls before I arrived. Now the built-in wardrobe is mine and so is the ceiling fan. My window looks over a backyard with patchy but nea...June 2010•292 pages- #4
Save:David Mogo, Godhunter reinvents Lagos as a post-apocalyptic world where the Orishas have fallen, and David Mogo, a demigod and Godhunter, is tasked with preventing them from destroying Earth. The story is a blend of fantasy, mystery, action, and coming of age, featuring quirky characters and punchy, visceral action scenes. The book explores a different culture with complex characters, various gods, and a fast-moving plot, all written from a non-American viewpoint.
The writing style of the book is described as rich in imagery, symbolism, and beautiful turns of phrase. It incorporates elements of African speech rhythms, code-switching between languages like pidgin, English, Yoruba, and Nsibidi, adding richness and authenticity to the post-apocalyptic Lagos setting. The book combines sci-fi, fantasy, and Nigerian religion and mythology to create a unique narrative that turns multiple genres on their heads.
I know it from the angular smile of the wizard-ruler seated before me. I know it because I should sense the icy heat of his godessence on my collarbone, but feel absolutely nothing. I know it because...July 2019•356 pages - #5
Save:A beautifully written, quietly powerful story about the struggle to reconcile old values with new realities. Not as dramatic as its predecessor, but deeply thought-provoking and moving for those who love literary fiction and cultural introspection.
"No Longer at Ease" by Chinua Achebe follows the story of Obi Okonkwo, a young, Western-educated Nigerian who returns to Nigeria after studying in England. Upon his return, Obi finds himself torn between his traditional Igbo roots and the modern, evolving society of Nigeria. As he navigates a prestigious job in the Civil Service in Lagos, Obi struggles to reconcile his Western education and Christian upbringing with his native traditions, leading him down a path of moral struggle and corruption. Through Obi's story, Achebe explores the clash between African and Western cultures, the impact of colonialism, and the complexities of post-colonial Nigeria.
Achebe's writing style in "No Longer at Ease" is direct, sympathetic, and tinged with bleak irony. He delves into themes of colonial and post-colonial relationships, tribal loyalties, traditions, and the influence of Western culture on Nigerian society. Through flawed characters like Obi, Achebe illustrates the challenges faced by educated Africans in a changing world, highlighting the struggle between idealism and the harsh realities of life in a newly independent nation.
Whenever Mr. Justice William Galloway, Judge of the High Court of Lagos and the Southern Cameroons, looked at a victim he fixed him with his gaze as a collector fixes his insect with formalin. He lowe...1960•195 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The African Trilogy )
