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Published in Arabic in 2000, with the English version released in 2011, Homeless Rats by Libyan author Ahmed Fagih in a nutshell is about a battle in the desert between humans and rats. Yet, saying it like that makes it seem so simplistic, when it really isn't.

Set in Libya, it follows the lives of a Bedouin tribe forced to leave their home in Jandouba after years of drought to start a new life in a place called Mizdah. While it focuses a lot on the lives of these humans, as well as another group of humans (a family with a way of life less traditional and moral than the Bedouins) who also migrate to this land, it also introduces the voices of the jerboas - larger rats living in the Libyan desert. These jerboas are indeed the homeless rats this novel is named after, and we hear directly from them the effects of being made homeless by the humans. Although the jerboas are the main animal characters, other animals we get to hear include the wise hedgehog and lizard, a chameleon with the ability to predict the future, ants, insects, dogs, snakes, and scorpions. 

After reading I had to find out more about Ahmed Fagih, and I read on the tanjara that:
"Fagih was himself born in Mizdah, in 1942. He emerged as a pioneering Libyan writer in the 1960s and ... his work often draws on his intimate knowledge of life in a rural setting and on the tradition of fable and folk tales. He is often inspired by the animal world; a recent example is his story 'Lobsters' which appears for the first time in Engish translation, by Maia Tabet, in the special feature on Libyan fiction in the latest issue of Banipal magazine of modern Arab literature. Fagih says the novel was inspired by his own experience in the late 1940s at the age of around six when he took part in an endeavour to dig into jerboa burrows of rats so as to retrieve wheat and barley kernels that the jerboas had hidden there. 'It is very telling of the hardships the Libyan people went through in those very difficult years,' Fagih says. He describes the novel as 'a tribute to my home town of Mizdah'".
And what a tribute! Homeless Rats was such an interesting tale, and it was so beautifully written. Not knowing much about Libya, I loved being transported to desert life there and getting a glimpse into some of its history, geography and people. It was possibly one of the most enjoyable novels I have read this year, not only for its vivid portrayal of desert life in Libya,  but also for being a story symbolic of real human struggle. I also have to say, I really did feel sad about the jerboas being made homeless.

4.5 out of 5 stars
11:15 1 Comments
This is my alternative best of list. As I am one of those readers out there who actually judges a book by its cover (I have dedicated a whole tumblr page to just that), I knew I couldn't end this year without paying homage to the wonderful book covers out there. Again it was hard to decide, because there were some gorgeous, and in some cases amazingly weird, book covers, but in no particular order, here are some of my favourites of 2012. 






*Honourable Mentions



So what were your favourite book covers this year? 
12:04 2 Comments
It's been another great year of African literature. Sefi Atta, Nadine Gordimer, Chuma Nwokolo, and Ahdaf Souief were some of the authors that returned with new works. There were debuts from Emmanuel Iduma,Yejide Kilanko, Sue Nyathi, Chibundu Onuzo, and Tolulope Popoola to name a few; anthologies from Caine Prize and NaijaStories; and the much awaited memoir from Chinua Achebe, as well as memoirs from Ngugi wa Thiong'o and former Vice President (and now President) of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama. And there's also the wealth of African publishers bringing us even more amazing books.


Some 2012 books I'm dying to read  Some 2012 books I was able to read

While I wasn't able to read all the books that were published this year, I was fortunate enough to read some, and I figured I couldn't end this year of reading without my very own "Best Of" list. 

I am constantly making lists, but this is my first ever "Best Of" list, and it was much harder than I thought to choose my favourite books of the year. I initially started off thinking I would chose three books, but it was much harder than I thought to do that. In the end I decided to pick my five favourite books that were published in 2012 - and even that was hard. I nearly made it a top seven (there were a couple more books I wanted to add), but in the end I held my ground, and stuck to five. Well, here they are in no particular order:


Absolutely loving these books was definitely one of the reasons they made my top five, but I also think it's their difference that made me choose them in the end. These indeed are very different books, but I guess that's why I loved them. To me they represent the diversity of contemporary African literarature. 

Chika Unigwe's Night Dancer portrays three very different women's complex lives in a patriarchal society excellently; AfroSF shows the possibility of Science Fiction as a literary genre in Africa; after spending a month reading his translated novels Alain Mabancknou can do no wrong in my eyes, and Black Bazaar (which thankfully was translated into English this year) took me to the world of African immigrants in Paris; I found Looking for Trasnwonderland by Noo Saro-Wiwa refreshing and honest, especially after a not-so-good experience with another travel guide on Nigeria; and Fine Boys, what more can I say that I haven't already said - beautifully written and authentically and unapologetically Nigerian.  

So these are mine but what were your favourite books of 2012? I would really love to know. 
12:04 2 Comments

 “My people stand on the riverbank, a wonder-filled mixture of skin hues. Strange ashen men in white gowns, with bars of wood crossed topsy-turvy, chant inanities in my water; they bathe my people in short episodes, still speaking in their strange dead tongue. My people adopt a corruption of this high tongue. And soon I am given a new name. Mammy-Water”. 
- Excerpt from Wet Hair by Eghosa Imasuen


I first read Eghosa Imasuen's beautiful short story, which gives a glimpse into Mami Wata, a few weeks ago, but this post was inspired by my sister who told me about a short Nigeria film, Nkiru, which delves deeper into the mystery of the legend of the Mami Wata. We grew up hearing different tales of Mami Wata, a water spirit, found in many riverside and coastal communities in West Africa (although they can be found in Central African countries, as well as in parts of the Caribbean and South America). She is usually described either as a mermaid or fully human and is said to be a source of absolute beauty and wealth - when not luring unsuspecting victims. 

It was while I was watching Nkiru that I found out about this documentary, Lady in the Water, on the myth of Mami Wata in Nigeria, Africa and beyond. Both the short film and documentary are by 37thState. Enjoy!! 


37th State presents "Lady in the Water": A Mami Water documentary 

37th State presents "Nkiru"

Mami Wata is also a common theme in African literature. So if you're interested in reading more, in addition to Eghosa Imasuen's short story, there's also the works of Flora Nwapa, Veronique Tadjo and Helen Oyeyemi. The lake goddess, Uhamiri, is a theme in Flora Nwapa's novels (Efuru, Idu, Never Again, and The Lake Goddess), while for Helen Oyeyemi in Opposite House, it is the Yoruba African goddess of the ocean, Yemaya. Both Flora Nwapa and Veronique Tadjo also published children books on the subject.


10:22 No Comments
I'm just going to come out and say it, I absolutely loved Fine Boys. This is Nigeria ... in the 90s told in three parts: Year One (January 1993 - March 1994), Year Two (March 1994 - March 1995), Year Three (June 1995 - Eternity). This isn't my generation (I was still pretty young when this book starts), but if you ever wanted to know what campus life in Nigeria in the 90s during the era of structural adjustment/unstable government was like, this is your book. 

Fine Boys is Nigerian author, Eghosa Imasuen's second novel. Ewaen, the narrator, is sixteen from a middle class Nigerian family, waiting to start his medical degree at the University of Benin. This is the story of what Ewaen and his friends experience while at university - growing up, making friends, meeting girls, falling in love, learning to smoke and drink, party, and occasionally study. Amidst all of this, is the ever-threatening presence of confraternities (deadly secret cults at universities) trying to recruit "fine boys" like Ewaen and his friends. There's more than one cult on campus and there are conflicts between these cults (on what seems like a daily basis), which affects Ewaen, his friends, and really campus life (to be honest, cults are still very much present in Nigerian universities, but it was in the 1990s that they expanded dramatically and also became a lot more violent). What makes Fine Boys even better is that while all this is going on, it doesn't ignore the state Nigeria was socio-economically and politically. The period the book is set was a difficult time in Nigeria's history - strikes at universities leading to universities being shut for months, teachers going unpaid and selling course material to students in order to pass, students protesting, political instability, the historic annulment of the June 12, 1993 elections, and MKO Abiola's arrest to name a few. 

There are many things I loved about Fine Boys.  From its use of Nigerian English (NEPA has taken light) and pidgin ("yansh" is arse/bum/butt/whatever you call a "behind"), to its portrayal of actual events that happened in Nigeria, and it also showing how despite the issues happening on and off campus, boys will still be boys (doing as little work as possible, while really just trying to have as much fun as possible). 

While I suspect many people who went to Nigerian universities during this period (and I'm sure even now), would be able to relate on so many levels with this. I do think it's an excellent book for anyone who also doesn't know much about Nigerian campus life, or even the state of the country during this period. I really enjoyed reading this book, and I would highly recommend it not only for all the reasons above, but also because it's a beautifully written story. 

4.5 out of 5
11:19 3 Comments
I just wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas (or Happy Holidays). Wherever you are, and whatever you do, I do hope you have a wonderful time. And for book lovers out there I hope you get the books that have been on your wishlist (or even gift cards to get them).






14:00 No Comments
The 'Meet' Series will be a chance for me to interview authors, publishers, book cover designers (really anyone I would love to meet) that is involved with African literature. I've been lucky enough this year to have 'met' Chibundu Onuzo and Sue Nyathi, and I am very fortunate to announce the third person in the 'Meet' Series is Tolulope Popoola. Her debut novel, Nothing Comes Close was a joy to read, and she was such a lovely person when we met at her book launch, so obviously I was really happy when she agreed to be interviewed. Enjoy!


Can you tell us a little bit about yourself (where you’re from, what you do, interests and hobbies, any fun details)

My name is Tolulope Popoola, I was born in the 80s, I grew up in Lagos, Nigeria in a family where reading and academic pursuits were positively encouraged. As a child, I was a real bookworm; the introvert who preferred staying at home reading to going out and partying. I left Nigeria for the UK in 2000 for my university education. I studied Accounting and Business Economics for my first degree, and after a year in the workplace, I went on to gain a Masters in Finance and Investment. In between all those trips to the library to study at university, I met my husband (smiles) and we got married in 2005. One day, a light bulb went off in my head and I realised I was in the wrong career. I left Accounting in 2008 to become a full-time writer.

What was the first piece you ever wrote?

I remember writing stories that I made up back in Primary 2. Does that count? The first proper story I wrote was a short story titled “Wrong Blogger Connection” which was part real and part fiction. I think it’s still on my blog.

What draws you to writing?

I express my thoughts better when I write them down. Growing up I always kept a journal, and writing was my therapy when I was going through the angst-filled teenage years. Writing helps me to sort through my thoughts and emotions.

What do you do when you are not writing?

Other things that are necessary like eating, sleeping, reading and maintaining my relationships.


On Nothing Comes Close

Romance as a genre in African fiction has been seen an increasing demand. What draws you to this genre and in turn to write a romance novel for your first novel?

I wanted to write a story that most people can identify with. Relationships are one area of life that every adult has to deal with - we’re either searching for the right person to be with, or trying to make the best of our current status. Love is a universal language, finding love is not always easy and overcoming challenges always makes a good story, so I put those situations together to weave the story.

Your characters were relatable and seemed to come to life off the page. Are they based on real people?

No, they are not exactly based on real people, but I know people who have similar characteristics to each of the main characters. I would love having a friend like Lola.

One thing I loved about the novel was its unpredictability. It wasn’t the typical ‘boy-meets-girl’ love story I was expecting. Was it your intention add these twists to your story?

Yes I wanted a story that was very realistic as well as unpredictable, so I didn’t try to stick with the “formula” for a typical romantic story.

What was your favourite chapter (or part) to write and why?

I enjoyed writing the last two chapters where a lot of the loose strands of the story came together, and some secrets were revealed.

13:30 No Comments
What started off as an online series, called In My Dreams It Was Simpler, which followed 'the adventures of six intelligent and vivacious ladies - Lola, Funmi, Titi, Dolapo, Temmy and Maureen', became a co-authored book of the same name. In her debut novel, Nothing Comes Close, Tolulope Popoola has taken two characters from the series, Lola and Wole (who was introduced in episode 19 of Series 1 - told you it was a series), and shows us that 'the course of true love never did run smooth'. 

In her group of friends Lola, a Financial Analyst, is sassy and straight to the point, saying what she means (even if it's really blunt) before even thinking. Wole, who she first meets at her friend Titi's birthday party is a Project Manager, who on the surface seems like Mr.Right - good looking, good job, and a gentleman. But something is lurking beneath the surface, and Wole's past could pose a threat not only to his present, but to his and Lola's future. 

Nothing Comes Close starts off as your usual 'boy-meets-girl', boy and girl have an instant connection, boy starts 'toasting' (wooing) girl, but that's where the simple formula ends. There are plots and twists in this story that I really wasn't expecting. Wole's past for instance threw me off. I mean I kind of guessed he had a secret past, because what's a leading man if he's not tall, dark, handsome and mysterious, right? I have to say I wasn't expecting to get the past that I did. And that is what I loved about Nothing Comes Close. Not only the writing (which is really accessible), and the characters (who were really relatable - I am sure each of us might knows a girl or two out there like Lola and her friends), it's also unpredictable. This made me want to read more. Honestly, I wanted to know more, but not only about what would happen next with Lola and Wole, but also the other characters (like Lola's friends whose lives we also get glimpses of).

There was another reason I enjoyed reading this novel if I'm being really honest. I saw Nothing Comes Close as more chick-lit than romance. And here's a secret, I am a sucker for a good (or even bad) chick-flick. I may not instantly gravitate towards chick-lit at a bookstore, but a chick-flick is my guilty pleasure. And I could really see Nothing Comes Close as a chick-flick.

Its setting mainly in London (with bits of Milton Keynes and Lagos sprinkled in), and the authenticity in the way the characters spoke and interacted, also made the whole process of visualisation even better for me. I could picture Wole and Lola on their date at Bar Salsa, Lola and her friends going out for drinks on a Friday night, Lola going underground to catch a tube home, and Wole and his friends during poker night.

Nothing Comes Close was a very enjoyable debut novel, made even better with its relatable characters and unpredictability. Just like some movies, where you have to stay until after the credits, if you think you're done reading Nothing Comes Close, there's more. Which leads me to one question - is there a sequel? 

3.75 out of 5 stars
13:32 No Comments
I always get excited about debut novels (okay! I get excited about all types of novels), so when I was invited to the book launch of Nothing Comes Close by the author, Tolulope Popoola, I couldn't say no. 

When I walked into the Vortex Jazz Club in Dalston on a chilly Saturday afternoon, I was welcomed into the nice, warm, intimate venue that would hold the launch of Nothing Comes Close. In here, were friends, family, book lovers, and authors 

When I met Tolulope Popoola for the first time, she gave me the warmest hug, which instantly made me feel even more welcome. The launch itself was a lot of fun - there was a short video clip on the book, followed by a book reading from the author, and then a Q&A with questions being asked by Abidemi Sanusi, followed by questions from the audience, a book signing, food (puff puff, spring rolls, yummy cupcakes), and a raffle draw (I didn't win anything). 
Yummy Cupcakes

There were many high points (yes, the cupcakes were one) but also the Q&A session with Abidemi Sanusi. Here Tolulope Popoola spoke about her life as an accountant prior to writing full time, the inspiration behind Nothing Comes Close (it started off as a series of short stories with her and a few other bloggers before she eventually took Lola and Wole, the two main characters, out of the series and created a story around them). She also spoke about her online presence and its impact on her writing, her own publishing company Accompany Press and the difference between her thinking as a writer and a publisher. 

Questions from the audience ranged from if she wanted her book to evolve to screen, to how she would counteract the notions that Nigerians/Africans do not read (unless it's religious or motivational books) and how she hoped to bridge that gap. Her response, her use of accessible language in her book and her straight forward writing style. Questions were also asked on when her next book would be published, if it would be a sequel to Nothing Comes Close, and if as a publisher she had plans to add new writers to Accomplish Press.

I love nothing more than getting to know an author, especially after I've read their books, and what was conveyed throughout was Tolulope Popoola's passion for writing and also her taking a leap of faith leaving her city job to pursue her dream. It was also nice to be in a room  filled with people that were interested in books and reading, who were also there to support Tolulope Popoola and the African literary scene.

My review of Nothing Comes Close will be up soon, but til then, here are a few pictures of the day, which Tolulope Popoola kindly shared with me, courtesy of Omo Photos. 

Tolulope Popoola

The author, Tolulope Popoola, reading an excerpt from Nothing Comes Close

Q&A with the author, Tolulope Popoola, with questions from Abidemi Sanusi, author of Eyo: African Lolita



11:27 1 Comments
Today marks exactly one year I got the courage to start blogging about my love for reading and African literature. I had absolutely no idea what I was doing when I first started and I was extremely nervous about even starting bookshy, after putting it off for nearly a year. Thankfully, with (A LOT) of encouragement I finally got the courage to set up the blog, and post my first review. Writing this post today, I can't believe it's been a year - it's gone by so quickly. I've learnt a lot about African literature, blogging, and even myself. Honestly, so many great things have also happened as a result. 

I just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone that follows, or subscribes to, the blog, who has liked my facebook page and who follows me on Twitter and tumblr. Thank you for stopping by everytime you do and reading these words, as well as commenting and sharing. Thank you also to the publishers and authors who have gotten in touch, and asked me to review their books, as well as to the fellow booklovers and bloggers I have met this past year. And I can't say enough thank you's to the authors out there for fuelling my love for African literature, and making this whole experience even better. 

I thought long and hard about what I would do to celebrate, and in the end I decided the best way to celebrate (and say thank you) was through a book giveaway. After deciding to do a giveaway, I thought long and hard again about what books I would give away and what rules and criteria I would use to choose these books. In the end, the first rule was they all had to be books that I had personally bought and the second rule was that they had to have been reviewed on the blog. After that the criteria was: 

1. A debut novel/collection: The Spider King's Daughter OR Tropical Fish 




2. A book that I absolutely loved (so one that I gave 5 out of 5 stars) -  What the Day Owes the Night OR Night Dancer  




3. A book that I realised after reviewing is not available outside of Nigeria- The Phoenix OR Every Day is for The Thief



To celebrate one year of bookshy, I'm giving away one pre-loved book from each category to three people somewhere out there.  I've listed two books in each category (as I couldn't decide which book to add) so whoever wins in each category gets to decide which one of the two they'd like. I really hope that makes sense, but if you are one of the lucky three to win, in helping you decide, links to the reviews of each book are provided above. There are no rules to this giveaway. If you already subscribe to the blog or like my facebook page, you are automatically entered. If you don't, you can either subscribe, like my facebook page, or just leave a comment here and you'll be added to the giveaway. 


I can't say enough how much I have truly enjoyed this year and how I truly appreciate the support I get. So thank you again for reading, commenting, sharing, and more. Regarding the giveaway, I've enjoyed reading all of them, and absolutely loved quite a few of them, so I do hope whoever out there gets them enjoys reading each book as much as I did. 

I can't wait to kick off the next year and hope I can continue to share my honest opinion on African literature and the books I love, books I've read, and books that I'm dying to read.
08:58 18 Comments
Tail of the Blue Bird is Ghanian poet, Nii Ayikwei Parkes, debut novel and what a debut. I've been wanting to read this novel for a while now, so when I saw copies of it at The African Book Festival (at prices more affordable than I'd seen on Amazon), I knew I had to get a copy. 

The Minister of Works girlfriend spots a blue bird and follows it to what we learn is Sonokrom - a small village in rural Ghana. It may only be a few hours from the capital, Accra, but it is an entirely different world governed by a more traditional way of life. Once in Sonokrom, the unnamed woman spots what seems to be strange remains in the hut of Kofi Atta, the cocoa farmer. Due to her connections (she is a Minister's girlfriend after all), and being traumatised by what she saw, an investigation begins to discover what she saw and what exactly happened. The opening village scene is told from the perspective of one of the main characters of the novel, Yaw Poku (named Opanyin), who also gives the reader the more traditional, and 'out-of-this world' side of the story.

This is contrasted excellently in the next chapter, when the other main character, Kwadwo Odammten (nicknamed Kayo) is introduced.  He is a forensic pathologist trained in the UK and now working in a lab in Accra. He did try to join the Ghanian Police Force as a forensic scientist, but he was unsuccessful. Inspector Kondor, a corrupt police officer who wants nothing but to rise to the top, sees this case as his way up and will do whatever it takes to force Kayo to take on this case. So begins the investigation. 

But what was that thing the Minister's girlfriend spotted in Kofi Atta's hut, will Kayo's knowledge of forensic science help solve the case, what do the villagers (and particularly Yaw Poku know), and how far will science go in helping to explain exactly what happened in Sonokrom? All these I can't tell you, because it will spoil the mystery, but what I can tell you is that this is an exciting and unusual tale weaving modernity (Kayo's science) and tradition (Yaw Poku, the traditions of the village and its people), to solve what was never going to be a straight-forward case. 

There are so many beautiful parts of this story and many aspects of the novel that stood out for me. The use of folk tales told by Yaw Poku in Akua Darko's hut to help in solving the case was one, but another one was the use of language. I actually found language to be an important aspect of the story and I loved how in Tail of the Blue Bird, the Ghanaian words in Twi weren't italicised or translated (you need to go here for a glossary after you've read the book), and the English words (words that were foreign to the villagers) were the ones that were italicised. I also loved the use of pidgin English in the story.  In fact, the use of English, Twi and pidgin in Tail of the Blue Bird reflects to me the fact that more than one language is spoken, and I could also relate to it because what Parkes has done is write in a way I know Nigerians also speak - English, local language, pidgin. 

A thoroughly enjoyable read and one I would recommend if you want an unconventional mystery, that mixes tradition and folk tales with modern science, and uses language in a very clever way to make for an even more interesting read.

4 out of 5 stars

*A while ago, I made a list of  "Pidgin English in African Fiction" and Tail of the Blue Bird definitely needs to be added to it. 
14:36 2 Comments

It’s rare to find a travel book on Nigeria – that’s purely because Nigeria really doesn’t have a tourist industry, and people are constantly being warned against visiting Nigeria. I have to say I did read one travel guide on Nigeria, the summer of 2011 when I went to Northern Nigeria and worked as a researcher on a maternal health project. One of my colleagues came with a travel guide and having never read anything travel guide related on Nigeria, I decided to give it a go. I read most of it before I got frustrated at the way the writer painted Nigeria - the greatest thing about Nigeria is the people (and nothing else), the Agama lizard is the only form of wildlife. So I went into Looking for Transwonderland: Travels in Nigeria hoping for a more rounded description of Nigeria.

Born in Nigeria and raised in England, Noo Saro-Wiwa, the daughter of Ken Saro-Wiwa, is a travel guide writer. While she has written several travel guides for both Rough Guide and Lonely Planet, she never wanted to write a travel guide on the country that killed her father. Recently, she decided to come to terms with Nigeria and travel around the country. Looking for Transwonderland is a very honest account of Noo Saro-Wiwa’s travels around Nigeria as an adult. From Lagos to Ibadan, Abuja to Kano, Yankari to Jos and Maiduguri, Calabar to Cross Rivers State, Benin to Port Harcourt, and then back to Lagos, we get to see the great diversity of Nigeria through her eyes.
In Looking for Transwonderland, Noo Saro-Wiwa touches on many issues: Nollywood, corruption, Nigeria’s history of slavery, politics, and our obsession with religion. Her depiction of religion in Nigeria was spot on: 



‘If there’s a country more religious than Nigeria then I haven’t been there. According to the Bible, God made the earth in six days and took a rest on the seventh. But by creating Nigerians, he ensured that that was the last day off he’s enjoyed ever since. Twenty-four hours a day and seven days a week we call on his services, connecting with him, singing his praise, establishing dialogue with him (and extremely loud dialogue at that). In my time in Lagos I had heard hairdressers singing their hallelujahs at salons; evangelical radio stations resounding in internet cafes; bus passengers collectively breaking out into ovine choruses of “Jeezos is my father… he never, never fail me”.’


And when she wrote about the messages in the ‘Lonelyhearts’, ‘Friendships’ and ‘Relationships’ pages of the Sunday newspapers, as well as the ‘Sugar Cares’, section where men are looking for sugar mummies, I really laughed.

Not many people from outside Nigeria travel around the country, and Nigeria has never been painted as a tourist destination, yet Saro-Wiwa portrays Nigeria as it is.  That is one of the things I loved about Looking for Transwonderland. Noo Saro-Wiwa has a gift for not only spotting it all – the sights, the sounds, and craziness of Nigeria – but also recreating all that she sees on paper. Yes, she shows the not-so-pretty parts of Nigeria, but she also shows the beauty and diversity, and she does it in a very humourous way. While this is in part travel guide, it is also part memoir as Looking for Transwonderland is also about Saro-Wiwa’s attempt to get to know Nigeria.
I was initially unsure if Looking for Transwonderland would showcase anything new about the country to Nigerians. But as I read I thought that if you’ve lived (or visited) some parts of Nigeria, you will definitely be able to relate – I’ve travelled around Northern Nigeria and so could relate to those sections. If you haven't been to certain parts of the country – I’ve never been to Calabar, Cross Rivers, Benin and Port Harcourt – you might be able to learn something new, or at least travel to those places through the pages of the book. For those who know very little about Nigeria this book will actually provide excellent insight to the country.
Nigeria isn’t a tourist destination but in Looking for Transwonderland, Noo Saro-Wiwa bravely travels around the country to create a travel guide, and at the same time, make sense of the country. This is a very humorous travel memoir, which I would recommend. In fact as I read it, just as I felt when I was reading Teju Cole’s ‘Everyday is for the Thief’, ‘Looking for Transwonderland’ would be a great novel to get a first-time visitor to Nigeria to read. 

3.75 out of 5
10:50 1 Comments
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About me

Founded in 2011, bookshy represents two things: the young me who was so shy I escaped through books, and the older me whose shelf is always one book shy of being full.

bookshy is a space where I celebrate, promote and recognise contemporary African literature - although sometimes I go back in time to commemorate the greats. It is about the books I love, the books I have read and the books that I am dying to read.

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