A review by archytas
Of This Our Country: Acclaimed Nigerian Writers on the Home, Identity and Culture They Know by Anietie Isong, Lola Shoneyin, Abi Daré, Okey Ndibe, Caleb Femi, Sefi Atta, Chigozie Obioma, Yomi Adegoke, Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Helon Habila, Irenosen Okojie, Inua Ellams Chịkọdịlị Emelụmadụ, Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, Ike Anya, Nels Abbey, Cheluchi Onyemelukwe, J.K. Chukwu, Chika Unigwe, Hafsa Zayyan, Oyinkan Akande, Umar Turaki, Bolu Babalola

funny informative reflective slow-paced

4.5

A startlingly good compendium of non-fiction about Nigeria, from Nigerian writers - both ex-pat and resident. There is a dazzling array of perspectives here - from love letters to Lagos to some which challenge the narratives created by wealthier Nigerians obscuring the benefactors of corruption. I found myself dipping back and forth, as my understanding of this country grew, to compare and contrast at times. A country with one of the largest out-of-school populations but also some of the world's most elite schools, one of achievement and exclusion, science and corruption, a place many authors found hard to leave and hard to stay in.  And now I've added another swag of authors to my to-read pile.