Of This Our Country: Acclaimed Nigerian writers on the home, identity and culture they know

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.

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 Nigeria’s history.

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.

‘So many of these essays put into words things I feel in the fibre of my gut but haven’t quite worked out the language for’ Jendella Benson, author of Hope and Glory

‘The read I never thought I needed … moving, funny at times, insightful and so relatable’ Lizzie Damilola Blackburn, author of Yinka Where is Your Huzband?

• A landmark publication, OF THIS OUR COUNTRY brings together acclaimed Nigerian authors writing about home identity and culture in Africa’s most populous nation

• Of the contributing writers, many have either won or been shortlisted for the following prizes/awards: The Booker Prize, The Women’s Prize for Fiction, The Caine Prize for African Writing, The Wole Soyinka Prize for African Literature, #Merky Books New Writers Prize, the Bath Novel Award and more

• OF THIS COUNTRY is a collection of personal essays from celebrated and upcoming Nigerian writers about the country they know told through personal stories, reflections and memories

• Contributing writers include: Nels Abbey, Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀, Yomi Adegoke, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Oyiknan 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, Lola Shoneyin, Umar Turaki, Chika Unigwe, Hafsa Zayyan

Competition: The Good Immigrant;Slay In Your Lane;Black and British;Notes on Grief;Talking to Strangers;Baba Segis Wives;Misfits;A Promised Land;Sapiens. Chimamanda;Inua Elllams;Bolu Bablola;Caleb Femi;Helon Habila;Chigozie Obioma;Sefi Atta;Abi Dare;Yomi Adegoke;Okey Ndibe;Chikodili Emelumadu;Ike Anya;Hafsa Zayyan