If there’s one thing the Nigerian literary community gifted the world in 2023, it’s an array of stellar books written by women, which further cements the fact that Nigerian female writers are a force to be reckoned with in the literary scene, both home and globally.
Women writers such as Chika Unigwe, Ukamaka Olisakwe, Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀, and Bisi Adjapon accomplished literary feats with their books, further putting Nigeria on the global map. Their books reflect the unique experiences of Nigerian women around the world, and through their works, they’ve taught women that their voices carry weight and that their light is one that the darkness of patriarchy should never dim.
2023 saw the publication of some fascinating and perceptive female written works that have received well-earned acclaim in the African literary scene. A great instance of that is the amazing feat by the author of the critically praised debut novel Stay With Me, Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀. Her second book, A Spell Of Good Things, found a well-deserved place on the 2023 Booker Prize longlist. With this book, which explores the political corruption and socio-economic divide in Nigeria, she made history as the only African on the 2023 Booker Prize longlist.
As we turn the page of 2024’s first quarter, several announcements have already shown us that this year is going to be another great year for African literature. There’s no doubt that Nigerian female writers had a fantastic year in 2023, but 2024 seems even more promising. So you don’t have to worry; there are fresh reads written by Nigerian female writers coming this year for you to add to your 2024 reading list. Don’t waste your time looking; we have compiled a list of 10 books by Nigerian women that will be published in 2024.
These novels explore the complex experiences of womanhood and, more importantly, immerse us in them. These stories feature memorable female characters, relationships, and dynamics that will make your reading experience enjoyable. Come with us.
Children of Anguish and Anarchy (Legacy Of Orisha) by Tomi Adeyemi
We’re finally saying goodbye to Zelie with the final book in Tomi Adeyemi’s widely acclaimed fantasy trilogy, Legacy of Orisha. In 2018, Children of Blood and Bone, Tomi Adeyemi’s debut YA fantasy book, shot to fame when it was released. Its creation of a parallel Africa, where a murderous dynasty ruthlessly persecuted a class of magic-users known as “Maji,” took the literary world by storm. A year later, Children of Virtue and Vengeance, the sequel, graced the sights of the trilogy’s faithful fans. Now, the wait for the trilogy’s third instalment is finally over.
Coming to stores on June 25, 2024, the book picks off with the main character, Zelie’s victory over the Majis. The book’s synopsis reveals to us that freedom isn’t yet a prize for Zelie as we find out that Maji rises again and captures Zelie, taking her all the way to Skulls, a destination far away from her homeland. Her kidnapper, the Lord of Skulls, has destroyed communities in search of her. And her last adversary, too. Will Zelie be able to take her fight one step further for her people’s permanent freedom after withering under numerous storms to secure their fleeting freedom?
The book’s brilliant and enchanting cover reflects the point Zelie has reached in her journey. By comparing the current cover to the previous two, readers can gain an idea of Zélie’s journey. Taken together, they show how she has developed over time.
Only Big Bum Bum Matters Tomorrow by Damilare Kuku
Damilare Kuku broke the internet in 2021 with her short story collection, Nearly All The Men In Lagos Are Mad, a collection of 12 short stories showcasing characters with unique, hilarious, and relatable experiences that pay homage to the fusion of various social classes and ethnic backgrounds that is Lagos.
With a title just as gripping, she’s returning literally with a bang this year with her debut novel, immersing us in the reality of Brazilian butt lifts. The novel revolves around Temi, a 20-year-old recent Obafemi Awolowo University graduate whose only goal is to relocate to Lagos and get bigger buttocks in order to meet a man who would adore her. This decision morphs into a commotion when she informs her largely “Nigerian” relatives of the news.
Unforgotten secrets, like her sister’s abrupt departure, start to surface as the women in her family try to talk her out of it. Get ready to be taken by laughter and other strong emotions as Damilare takes us on a hilarious journey into the ways in which a woman’s physical attributes can control her life. The book will be out on shelves by July 30, 2024.
Ghostroots by Pemi Aguda
Pemi Aguda’s fans have finally heaved sighs of relief and are now rejoicing over the release news of the author’s debut short story collection happening this year. The accomplished author’s novel manuscript, The Suicide Mothers, earned her the 2020 Deborah Rogers Foundation Writers Award and her short story Breastmilk won the 2022 O. Henry Prize.
Pemi explores Lagos in her collection of short stories as a place where the supernatural is as normal as living. From an architect measuring a house only to learn that her blueprints are nonsensical to a mother whose daughter’s face holds the ghost of her abusive mother, Pemi’s collection is filled with stories of people tormented by grief and remorse. The fervent atheists and the resounding Pentecostals. The close-knit extended families and frustrated single dads. The street boys and confused mothers. These stories chronicle Lagos in several fashions.
Get ready to be transported into a world filled with humour, love, trauma, fear, tradition, and numerous contemporary issues. This book will be up on bookshelves by May 10, 2024.
And So I Roar by Abi Dare
Where are the book lovers obsessed with The Girl With The Louding Voice? You’re all eating good. Abi Dare has followed her widely acclaimed debut novel with a sequel.
In this book, Tia embarks on a mission to uncover her mother’s secret, which has been kept hidden for nearly two decades, after overhearing a private conversation between her ailing mother and her aunt. Adunni, a young woman who fled her town in quest of a better life, takes sanctuary in Tia’s house when she arrives in Lagos.
A knock at the gate throws them both off-balance as they begin to adjust to their new lives, forcing Tia to choose between protecting Adunni and learning her mother’s secret.
The “louding” in Adunni’s voice just found a challenge, and now, she must channel the courage to increase its volume for herself and the women in her village. Find out on August 6, 2024, if Tia will step into this light and show the bright future of Ikati girls.
Pride and Joy by Louisa Onome
Louisa Onome is serving readers interesting chaos this year, and we’re here for it. In this book, she embarks on a tumultuous voyage into the life of the Okafors, a Canadian-Nigerian family spanning three generations. Joy Okafor, a weary Nigerian first daughter and divorcee, organizes her mother, Mama Mary’s 70th birthday celebration all by herself.
Mama Mary goes in for a snooze as the other Okafors start to show up. She is discovered dead when the grandchildren attempt to wake her later. Mama Mary’s sister, Auntie Nancy, says that her mother would rise from the dead, but she is not convinced. After the Okafors passed this rumour around, Joy was left with no choice but to organize the burial.
A birthday celebration quickly morphs into a funeral, and Joy doesn’t have the luxury to mourn or take in the shocking series of events. Find out how she navigates this experience and her emotions in this packed read. Pride and Joy was released on March 12, 2024.
Allow Me To Introduce Myself by Onyi Nwabineli
Onyi Nwabineli’s debut novel takes us into the intertwined lives of Anuri and Ophelia, her stepmother, an influencer who has been documenting and profiting from her life since she was a young child. Anuri finally breaks free as an adult, but she soon realizes she has to break the cycle of abuse when her stepmother begins taking advantage of her younger half-sister.
This tussle between Anuri and Ophelia turns into a complicated battle that is reminiscent of the age we live in, where human lives are shaped and defined by social media. Prepare to take another look and reevaluate your relationship with social media after reading this. Readers can purchase this book on May 23, 2024.
We Were Girls Once by Aiwanosen Odafen
We are witnessing Aiwanose Odafen‘s return to the literary scene this year with her second book, We Were Girls Once. Three ladies, Ego, Zina, and Eriife, who grew close to one another in post-colonial Nigeria, are the heartbeats of this novel. In the post-independence era of Nigeria, marked by political unrest, the friendship between these women comes under siege due to their geographical separation and a terrible incident.
However, they are linked by their shared history, and they connect once more. They battle the political situation in their country, which has an impact on their lives and how they interact with one another while attempting to mend their friendship.
Stick and states may break the bones of their connection, but these friends find their way back to each other in spite of that. How will they make this happen? Get all the answers you need on April 25, 2024.
Parasol Against the Axe by Helen Oyeyemi
Helen Oyeyemi, after her several publications, has blessed us with a new novel, Parasol Against the Axe, that puts us in Prague right in the life of Hero Tojosa, the book’s main character. When Hero finds herself in Prague for a bachelorette party thrown by Sofie, an old friend who has become alienated from her, she finds herself at the end of a trick with the city. The book that Hero buys appears to have text that changes based on who is reading it and when. The stories of former and current Praguers are told in the book. Hero is perplexed by this and wonders.
As everything is going on, tension builds at the bachelorette when Sofie’s old friend shows up. The three women disagree about their pasts, which causes them to conflict. Parasol Against the Axe is an exciting, multifaceted book that explores the boundaries between reality and perception, illusion and delusion, and the dangers of becoming overly attached to the legends of a location, a person, or a common past. Out for purchase now, this book will leave you thinking about the different ways a story shapes its reader.
Water Baby by Chioma Okereke
Chioma takes us to the floating slums of Makoko in her coming-of-age novel. 19-year-old Makoko native “Baby” yearns to live somewhere other than the destiny her father has set for her. In light of this, she seizes the opportunity to contribute to a recently initiated drone mapping project, which will highlight her community.
When a video of her at work becomes widely popular, Baby is inundated with chances beyond her wildest dreams, such as the chance to represent Makoko globally. Will this opportunity spread into other chances for Baby? Will Baby find the life she has always wanted outside of Makoko? Find answers to all these and more on April 11, 2024, what decision Baby made and the strings of actions after.
Where Sleeping Girls Lie by Faridah Abike Iyimide
Our avid tea drinker, mug collector, and New York Times bestselling writer is back with a second YA novel with a boarding school as its main focus. Sade Hussein has spent most of her whole life being homeschooled.
In her third year of high school, she is sent to a boarding school, Alfred Nobel Academy. Trouble follows Sade wherever she does, and the boarding school is no different. Sade’s housemate unexpectedly vanishes on her first night at the school, making her a strong suspect.
Sade then sets out to locate her missing roommate, but along the way, she comes across sinister clues that lead her to believe there is more to the Alfred Nobel Academy. This novel is perfect for you if you enjoy mysteries and thrillers and you can savour now. It was released on March 14, 2024.
