Reading Archives

Writing from the Collective Memories of Others Revisiting Buchi Emecheta’s Destination Biafra

Ijedike JebomaJuly 20, 2023

Since the publication of Destination Biafra by Buchi Emecheta in 1982, many Nigerian writers have made contributions to Biafran War literature. Thirty years on, Emecheta’s novel continues to stand out for its ambitious and distinctive approach to transforming collective memory into a fictionalized Biafra story.

Best of 2023: EssaysJune/July 2023NigeriaReadingvol8-no2

In Which Nothing Happens Book Review: Sọ̀rọ̀sóke: An #EndSARS Anthology

Ernest ÒgúnyemíJuly 13, 2023

Sọ̀rọ̀sókè: An #EndSARS Anthology, a flawed collection of poetry edited by Jumoke Verissimo and James Yékú, begs the following questions: Are we supposed to stop putting ‘poetry’ anthologies together on the spur of remarkable moments? Are we supposed to give up using anthologies to mark remarkable events and people?

June/July 2023NigeriaReading

Coming of Age Amidst Political Instability and Western Influence Book Review: The Five Sorrowful Mysteries of Andy Africa by Stephen Buoro

Kenechukwu NwokediMay 18, 2023

The Five Sorrowful Mysteries of Andy Africa, a novel by Stephen Buoro, deftly navigates the tension between what informs desire and the instinct to shirk it. The novel aims to highlight the complexities of living in a country like Nigeria through the perspective of a malleable teenager full of promise.

April/May 2023NigeriaReading

A Valiant but Flawed Effort to Gauge the Worth of a Life Book Review: People Live Here by TJ Benson

Edwin OkoloMay 4, 2023

People Live Here by TJ Benson is a novel that will inspire conversation because of its novelty and its ambition, but it will also inspire a lot of divisive commentary because of its stylistic choices and less than stellar execution.

April/May 2023NigeriaReading

A Captivating Debut on Self-Discovery Book Review: Maame by Jessica George

Peace Yetunde OnafuyeApril 28, 2023

Maame, a novel by Jessica George, is an intense yet uplifting journey towards self-discovery. The novel carefully explores what it means to find one’s true self and how to deal with grief.

April/May 2023GhanaReading

Grief, the Royal Mantle, and an Appraisal of the Empire Book Review: Spare by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex

Kenechukwu NwokediMarch 16, 2023

Spare by Prince Harry ultimately makes obvious that Harry doesn’t want to change the status quo, but wants to be in the highest echelons of it, demanding racial equality at the top of a racist empire.

AfricaFebruary/March 2023Reading

New Releases 23 African Books to Expect in 2023

Peace Yetunde OnafuyeFebruary 22, 2023

2023 promises exciting African books from authors such as Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀, Leila Aboulela, Peace Adzo Medie, Tendai Huchu, Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond, Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, and more.

February/March 2023NigeriaReadingvol7-no1

Holiday Reading The Best Books to Gift a Loved One This Christmas

Peace Yetunde OnafuyeDecember 22, 2022

Every year, choosing the ideal present for our families and friends becomes more challenging closer to the festive period. This is a reminder that books can be the best gift to give a loved one.

December 2022NigeriaReading

Unforgettable Words Five African Authors on Their Most Cherished Writing Advice

Peace Yetunde OnafuyeNovember 10, 2022

If you are conflicted about getting started with your writing or trying to get out of a rut, these words of advice some seasoned authors have received might just be what you need.

NigeriaOctober/November 2022Reading