The incredible essay collection, Of This Our Country, is published today in hardback, ebook and audio courtesy of Borough Press in the UK and Ouida Books in Nigeria
This gorgeous celebration of Nigeria features an array of writing talent including our very own Yomi Adegoke, as well as Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and not forgetting the winner of Borough Press’ essay writing competition in search of new, un-agented talent, Oyinkan Akande.
There has been so much excitement surrounding this book since it was announced: with its stunning cover being admired far and wide across social media channels; two magnificent actors, Weruche Opia and Oseloka Obi, voicing the audiobook; and most recently, Borough Press have teamed up with Spotify to curate a playlist that will transfer readers to Nigeria as they devour each wondrous essay.
Praise has also followed on NetGalley:
“It was everything it promised to be – a taste of home, a living portrait of the most wonderful, terrible, beautiful, I loved it.”
“I have no relationship with Nigeria, nor have I ever visited … but reading this left me homesick for a country I’ve never seen.”
“I am very glad I read this book and would highly recommend.”
“The editors of the book, Ore Agbaje-Williams and Nancy Adimora have produced a work of literary significance.”
You really don’t want to miss out on what is being hailed as this years’ most exciting anthology. Here’s a hint of the magic that lies in store…
To define Nigeria is to tell a half-truth. Many have tried, but most have concluded that it is impossible to capture the true scope and significance of Africa’s most populous nation through words or images.
And yet here, through personal essays from 24 of its writers, a more accurate picture comes into view: one that details the realities and contradictions of patriotism, examines the role of class and privilege in Nigerian society, juxtaposes inherited tradition with the diasporic experience and explores the power of storytelling and its intrinsic link to Nigeria’s history.
Within these pages, acclaimed and award-winning writers share memories and experiences of Nigeria that can be found nowhere else, bringing to the fore a country whose influence can be found everywhere.
Powerful, lyrical and entirely unforgettable, OF THIS OUR COUNTRY weaves together a living portrait of Nigeria, one that is as beautiful as it is complex.
With essays from: Nels Abbey, Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀, Yomi Adegoke, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Oyinkan Akande, Ike Anya, Sefi Atta, Bolu Babalola, J K Chukwu, Abi Daré, Inua Ellams, Chịkọdịlị Emelụmadụ, Caleb Femi, Helon Habila, Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, Anietie Isong, Okey Ndibe, Chigozie Obioma, Irenosen Okojie, Cheluchi Onyemelukwe, Lola Shoneyin, Umar Turaki, Chika Unigwe and Hafsa Zayyan.
Congratulations to Yomi and all of the amazing writers involved in this project!
