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 Africaâs most populous nation through words or images.
Yet here, through personal essays from twenty-four of its writers, a more accurate picture comes into view: one that details the realities and contradictions of patriotism, juxtaposes inherited tradition with the diasporic experience, and explores the power of storytelling and its intrinsic link to Nigeriaâs history.
OF THIS OUR COUNTRYPowerful, lyrical and entirely unforgettable, weaves together a living portrait of Nigeria, one that is as beautiful as it is complex.
With essays from: Nels Abbey, Ayá»ÌbĂĄmi AdĂ©bĂĄyá»Ì, Yomi Adegoke, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Oyinkan Akande, Ike Anya, Sefi Atta, Bolu Babalola, J K Chukwu, Abi DarĂ©, Inua EllamsChá»ká»dá»lá» EmelỄmadỄ, 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.
Jendella BensonâSo many of these essays put into words things I feel in the fibre of my gut but havenât quite worked out the language forâ , author ofHope and Glory
Lizzie Damilola BlackburnâThe read I never thought I needed ⊠moving, funny at times, insightful and so relatableâ , author ofYinka Where is Your Huzband?