8 Books From Nigerian Authors to Look Forward to in 2025
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Loading... - Itoro Effiong
- 17 Jan 2025
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As we look ahead to 2025, Nigerian literature promises to deliver an exciting array of new voices and established talents. Following a remarkable 2023, here are eight highly anticipated books from Nigerian authors that are set to make waves in the literary world.
1. Dream Count – Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie returns with Dream Count, a novel that follows Zikora, a character introduced in her 2020 short story. The narrative explores the lives of Zikora and her best friend Chiamaka as they navigate complex life choices against the backdrop of contemporary issues such as Covid, sexual assault, and personal identity. Adichie’s exploration of timeless themes promises to resonate deeply with readers. Release Date: TBD
2. Death of the Author – Nnedi Okorafor
Acclaimed author Nnedi Okorafor ventures into personal territory with Death of the Author, a novel inspired by Roland Barthes’ essay. The story follows Zelu, a disabled Nigerian-American writer whose journey to literary success becomes an exploration of identity and family. This deeply personal narrative marks a new chapter in Okorafor’s storytelling, blending speculative elements with intimate themes. Release Date: January 14, 2025
3. Necessary Friction – Eloghosa Osunde
Following their debut Vagabonds!, Eloghosa Osunde presents Necessary Friction, an ambitious novel that intertwines the lives of over two dozen characters in contemporary Lagos. Centered on queer, non-binary, and trans individuals, the narrative challenges traditional definitions of kinship while celebrating self-definition. This novel is described as a “talisman for courage and possibility.” Release Date: July 22, 2025
4. The Edge of Water – Olufunke Grace Bankole
In her debut novel, The Edge of Water, Olufunke Grace Bankole tells a multigenerational story set between Nigeria and New Orleans. The narrative follows Amina, a young Nigerian woman who defies a prophetic warning to pursue her dreams in America, only to face a hurricane that threatens her newfound life. Bankole weaves together themes of ambition, motherhood, and cultural identity. Release Date: February 4, 2025
5. The Tiny Things Are Heavier – Esther Ifesinachi Okonkwo
Esther Okonkwo’s debut novel, The Tiny Things Are Heavier, explores themes of displacement and belonging as Sommy navigates her graduate school experience in the U.S. after her brother’s suicide attempt. The narrative delves into her complex relationships and the challenges of cultural identity. This poignant exploration of contemporary migration has already garnered praise from literary figures. Release Date: June 24, 2025
6. The Years of Blood: Poems – Adedayo Agarau
Nigerian poet Adedayo Agarau’s debut poetry collection, The Years of Blood, is set to be published by Fordham University Press in Fall 2025. This collection, which draws on Agarau’s childhood experiences in Ibadan, Nigeria, captures the resilience of a society scarred by violence while illuminating hope for a better future. Agarau’s work has already received notable accolades, including the Poetic Justice Institute Editors Prize. Release Date: Fall 2025
7. A New New Me – Helen Oyeyemi
Acclaimed author Helen Oyeyemi returns with A New New Me, a novel that follows Kinga, a woman in Prague who experiences life through different versions of herself each day. The fragile balance of her existence is disrupted when a mysterious man appears in her apartment. Oyeyemi’s inventive storytelling continues to explore identity and psychological depth. Release Date: May 6, 2025
8. Harmattan – Tochi Onyebuchi
Tochi Onyebuchi’s Harmattan is a hard-boiled fantasy noir set in a postcolonial West African city. The story follows Boubacar, a private investigator whose solitary life is disrupted by a mysterious woman. This evocative narrative blends speculative fiction with sharp social commentary, exploring themes of identity and resistance. Release Date: May 27, 2025
These eight books from Nigerian authors are poised to shape literary conversations in 2025, showcasing a rich tapestry of voices and themes. From personal narratives to speculative fiction, these works reflect the diverse experiences and perspectives within Nigerian literature, promising to engage and inspire readers worldwide.
