The year 2020 came with the dreaded COVID-19 and slowed down a lot of activities for many businesses and individual outfits in Nigeria, and the world over.
The Nigerian literary industry did not escape the decline in productivity as fewer books were published across the country.
- Tension as Chimamanda’s father is to be buried Friday in Anambra
- Abubakar Adam Ibrahim’s one sadness at winning Nigeria for Literature
Some were published as e-Books, while others published in print were strategically distributed and launched virtually or in small gatherings.
Here are some of the books by Nigerian authors that successfully launched this year and left a mark on readers:
1. Zikora by Chimamanda Adichie
Zikora, written by the famous writer and feminist, Chimamanda Adichie, was published by Amazon Original Stories.
The story revolves around a Nigerian born DC lawyer, Zikora, who found out she was pregnant for her equally high-powered lover.
He abandons her upon hearing the news of the pregnancy.
Zikora is then left with her demanding mother, who comes into town to help Zikora through her pregnancy.
The book showcases the emotions between mother and daughter as they navigate through their past and present situations as women seeking dignity and preparing for motherhood.
2. Dreams and Assorted Nightmares by Abubakar Adam Ibrahim
Dreams and Assorted Nightmares was written by the famous writer, 2016 winner of NNLG prize for Literature and current Features Editor for Daily Trust, Abubakar Adam Ibrahim and published by Masobe Books.
The book is a collection of short, interconnecting stories that revolve around characters who are richly interlayered.
From the special needs boy, to the new bride who must now live in her home invaded by armed men, to the woman who reveals a terrible secret to her friend in a coma.
Each story, although dark and palpable with grief was written remarkably.
3. The Madhouse by TJ Benson
The Madhouse, written by TJ Benson, who is a Photographer, Writer, Jeweler and Author of the futuristic short story collection, “We Wont Fade into Darkness” was published by Masobe Books.
This story is about a house that brought two unique souls together by the unlikeliest of chances.
It is a tale about the clashes between cultures, the impact of fragile political situations on everyday people, and the lengths we are willing to go in order to save our loved ones.
Although published this year, it is only available for pre-order and set to launch in early 2021.
4. Line of Sight by Ismail Bala
Line of Sight was written by Academic, Literary Critic, Essayist and Poetry and Painting Enthusiast, Ismail Bala and published by Praxis Books.
Line of sight is a collection of poetry, written in simple terms and open to multiple interpretations by readers.
The poems draw from different themes: arts, love, life, friendships amongst others.
The author successfully writes through experiences drawn from his many travels, life and the many paintings he is inspired by.
5. How to View the World from a Glass Prism
How to View the World from a Glass Prism was written by Poet, Engineer, and winner of the 2019 Green Author Prize, Salihu Mahe.
It was first published online in 2019, and later in print in 2020 with additional poems.
It is a collection of poetry that also leaves the interpretation of its poems to the readers.
It is almost an instruction book, describing various scenarios and how people can navigate their way out of those scenarios.
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