I’m always so delighted when new writers emerge from Africa, especially powerful female voices, and especially when they are published by major publishing houses and therefore have more chance of exposure.
Think about it – when did you last read a novel by an African woman writer? (Other than Adichie, perhaps.)
So I’d like to introduce you to Nigerian novelist Chika Unigwe, who lives in Belgium. I’ve just reviewed her novel ‘On Black Sister’s Street’ for the ‘Independent’. It’s published by Random House and it’s her first novel written in English as the first two were published in Dutch.
See link to my review in the ‘Independent’ published on July 4th.
http://tinyurl.com/unigwe-independent
The book really succeeds in giving the reader insight into how Nigerian women can end up in prostitution in brothels in Europe, as well as insight into life back home in Nigeria. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie will be more familiar to readers in the UK, but Chika Unigwe is now a name to watch too.
Her website below: http://www.chikaunigwe.com
7 responses so far ↓
Fran // July 4, 2009 at 4:08 pm
I will definitely investigate. Thanks for the recommendation.
Independent lovend over ‘On Black Sisters’ Street’ : Gazet van Turnhout // July 8, 2009 at 9:29 am
[...] het verhaal van vier Afrikaanse vrouwen die in Antwerpen in de prostitutie belanden. Schrijfster Bernardine Evaristo recenseerde het voor de Britse krant The Indepenedent en is alvast lovend: “Not many [...]
bevaristo // July 9, 2009 at 8:40 am
Yep, a very thought-provoking book!
bevaristo // July 9, 2009 at 8:40 am
This is in Dutch (or Flemish?) so I’m assuming it’s an okay comment.
Hans Schippers // July 12, 2009 at 7:49 pm
This is a brilliantly written book telling the story of a group of people who, if given any attention at all, are generally frowned upon: African prostitutes, lured by European wealth. This book gives them a human face, and more importantly, a human voice. It allows the reader to bypass his own prejudices and crawl into the skin of those not blessed with the luxury of shame. It reveals the strength it takes not only to survive but even to carry the weight of their relatives on their shoulders. It shows that every situation should be placed into its rightful perspective. Highly recommended!
sokari // July 16, 2009 at 8:32 pm
Have read the review and will add it to my holiday reading for next month.
bevaristo // July 17, 2009 at 7:41 am
Great. Le me know what you think!