Books are like windows to see the world, offering readers an escape into different cultures, places, perspectives, and realms of imagination.
As a passionate fan of fiction and an avid reader, I’m particularly thrilled when I come across a book set in Lagos, the city where I grew up.
Lagos is a bustling, chaotic city teeming with life and endless stories and experiences waiting to be shared. It’s no wonder that in recent years, a wave of literary brilliance has emerged from this city, penned by African writers who intricately weave the essence of Lagos into their narratives.
From the ghetto streets of Mushin to the serene shores of Victoria Island, these authors capture the complexities, beauty, culture, people and resilience of Lagos.
Here’s a selection of fictional books set in Lagos, written by African authors, that you’re sure to enjoy.
Nearly all men in Lagos are mad:
This book is a short story collection written by Nigerian author and actress, Damilare Kuku. The twelve short stories in this book share the stories of different women and their chaotic experiences with men and relationships in Lagos. It is a witty and humorous collection.
Tomorrow I become a woman:
This book, written by Aiwanose Odafen, is set in Lagos, following a decade after the Nigerian Civil War.
At the beginning of the three-part novel, the protagonist, Uju, is a final year student at the University of Lagos who finds herself in a love triangle. Eventually, she succumbs to the pressure from her mother to marry, despite her desire to continue her education.
The themes of this novel encompass domestic violence, female friendship, war, feminism, grief, and gender inequality.
The Bead Collector:
This book is set in Lagos in the 1970s, six years after the Nigerian Civil War. It provides insight into how Ikoyi used to look, delving into its history, bourgeois culture, and the politics of its inhabitants.
The novel follows the newfound friendship between Remi Lawal, a Nigerian woman running her own greeting-card shop, and Frances Cooke, an American art dealer visiting Nigeria to buy rare beads. Themes explored in this novel include war, motherhood, marriage, and friendship.
The Baron of Broad Street:
This book, written by El Nukoya, revolves around two main characters, Disun and Ige, who are young boys residing in the slum of Makoko in Lagos. Makoko is situated close to the exclusive district of the Metropolis, encompassing Ikoyi, Victoria Island, and Broad Street.
The duo ponder their lives in the slum, comparing it with the lives of the rich people on the other side of town and questioning whether they would have a fair chance at success in Lagos. Themes explored in this novel include ambition, conscience, and friendship.
Graceland:
This novel narrates the journey of a teenager named Elvis, striving to escape the Makoko slum in Lagos. As he endeavours to support himself and his family, Elvis encounters a diverse array of individuals in Lagos, whose influences shape his decisions.
The author, Chris Abani, vividly portrays the poverty and violence in Lagos, illuminating their profound impact on the daily lives of Elvis and his family. Themes explored in this book encompass corruption, poverty, and violence.
Welcome to Lagos:
This novel is written by Nigerian writer, Chibundu Onuzo. Within its pages, you’ll discover the gritty and edgy lifestyle experiences of people living in the Lagos ghetto. It delves into themes of aspirations and escape, innocence, and corruption.