As we embark on this new year, fellow book enthusiasts are already curating their reading lists, and Marie Claire Nigeria, are particularly captivated by the literary works penned by talented women. While 2023 showcased the prowess of Nigerian women in literature, 2024 is poised to surpass expectations.
Our anticipation for the literary landscape of the new year has inspired us to compile an exclusive list of upcoming books authored by Nigerian women. These literary gems delve into the intricacies of womanhood, celebrating the diverse experiences that define it. The narratives are adorned with captivating female protagonists and depict friendships that promise to evoke delightful shivers down your spine.
From the eloquent words of Aiwanose Odafen to the artistry of Onyi Nwabineli’s ink, the literary offerings of 2024 in Nigeria are set to make it the year of women in literature. So, look no further; immerse yourself in the rich storytelling and empowering narratives that await you in the upcoming releases. Get ready for a literary journey that celebrates the essence of womanhood!
1. We Were Girls Once by Aiwanose Odafen
Aiwanose Odafen returns to the literary scene with her second novel, “We Were Girls Once.” This book is centered on three women who became friends during post-colonial Nigeria. Fast forward to post-independence Nigeria; the country is plagued by political turmoil, and the friendship between these women is strained as they now live far from one another.
However, their past connects them, and they become entwined once again. They try to fix their friendship while battling with their country’s political climate, which affects their lives and how they interact with each other.
Will their friendship be able to withstand even the worst democracy? You are itching to know, right? Well, you will just have to wait till April 25, 2024, to find out!
2. Pride and Joy by Louisa Onome
In this book, Onome takes on a chaotic journey into the lives of the Okafors, a three-generation Nigerian-Canadian family. Joy Okafor, a divorcee and a tired Nigerian first daughter, singlehandedly plans the seventieth birthday party of her mother, Mama Mary.
As the rest of the Okafors begin to arrive, Mama Mary goes in to take a nap. Later, when the grandkids go to wake her, she is found dead. Auntie Nancy, Mama Mary’s sister, who is in disbelief, declares that Mama Mary will resurrect. The Okafors spread this rumor, leaving Joy to plan the funeral.
Joy has no time to mourn or even process the event. How does one go from planning a birthday to a funeral? All you need to know is found in this humorous book filled with flawed but relatable characters. Pride and Joy comes out on March 12, 2024.
3. Allow Me to Introduce Myself by Onyi Nwabineli
Nwabineli’s sophomore book follows the life of Anuri, who has always been in the spotlight, courtesy of her influencer stepmother, Ophelia. Anuri’s every meal and outing are curated to fit the social media aesthetic. Her life is like one of those influencer’s lives we have coveted once or twice.
But when she hits twenty-five, her fans wonder why Anuri’s life is a mess. She is either found insulting men for money online or struggling with alcoholism.
Anuri’s wake-up call is seeing her stepmother trying to push her younger sister down that same rabbit hole she was in. Anuri begins to put up a fight, but Ophelia is not going down easily. The story is similar to Cinderella but retold in our social media age.
After reading, you will be forced to rethink your “harmless” relationship with social media. You can get your hands on this book on May 23, 2024.
4. And So I Roar by Abi Dare
Fans of “The Girl with the Louding Voice” assemble! Abi Dare has blessed us with a sequel to her debut novel.
After Tia eavesdrops on a hushed conversation between her sick mother and aunt, she goes on a quest to discover her mother’s secret, which has been buried for almost two decades. When she arrives in Lagos, Adunni, a girl who ran from the village searching for a better life, finds refuge in Tia’s home.
As they both settle into their new lives, they are disrupted by a knock on the gate, leaving Tia with a huge decision to uncover her mother’s secret or protect Adunni.
This time, Adunni’s “louding voice” has to be the loudest as she must speak for herself and the women of her village, Ikati. The bright futures of the girls in Ikati lie on her shoulders. Will Tia succeed? Find out on August 6, 2024.
5. Only Big Bum Bum Matters Tomorrow by Damilare Kuku
Following the success of her short story collection “Nearly All the Men in Lagos are Mad,” Damilare comes back with her debut novel that takes us into the world of Brazilian butt lifts. The book is centered on 20-year-old Temi, who just graduated from Obafemi Awolowo University.
Temi has only one plan in mind: to move to Lagos and enlarge her buttocks so she can meet a man who would love her. When she breaks the news to her very “Nigerian” family, it causes an uproar.
As the women in her family try to convince her not to do it, forgotten secrets begin to come to light, including her sister’s sudden disappearance. Damilare uses humor to chronicle how a woman’s physical appearance can dictate her life. She also explores beauty standards. This is one novel you must read. It will be on the shelves on July 30, 2023.
As the year progresses, we will have another list of books that will make the year memorable for book lovers.
