By Elizabeth Haslam, William Swift, Priyanka Joshi and Jess Fisher
Cassava Republic Press was founded in Abuja, Nigeria in 2006, and has offices in both Abuja and London. Its mission is to change how we think about African writing, with the belief that “contemporary African prose should be rooted in African experience in all its diversity, whether set in filthy-yet-sexy megacities such as Lagos or Kinshasa, in little-known communities outside of Bahia, in the recent past or indeed the near future.” The press aims to bring a range of high-quality fiction and non-fiction to a global audience of adults and children. It has also published some of the most successful African authors, such as Chigozie Obioma, Elnathan John and Ayesha Harruna Attah.
Their published works cover a wide array of themes and topics relating to their mission statement. Examples of these themes include, “Queering Africa,” “Cassava Writing Women,” “A Walk Through History,” “Crime in Africa,” “Strong Young Black Girls to Inspire,” “Short Stories” and “Graphic Novels by Black Authors or Illustrators.”
Notable Reads
Be(com)ing Nigerian by Elnathan John
This unofficial guide to the Nigerian culture gives seasoned readers an introspective look at the customs and dynamics they interact with every day while remaining an accessible starting point for readers looking to learn. With a unique perspective on the power dynamics, both visible and invisible, Elnathan John has written an eye-opening account of Nigeria’s place in the world and Nigerians’ place within it. Inextricably linked to the monetisation of culture, John interrogates the opportunities associated with wealth in his country of residence. This guide will open minds and broaden horizons for every reader who picks it up, with a nearly tangible pride in Nigerian culture, without ignoring its flaws.
Featuring thirty stories on everything from queer first love to addiction and relationship with religion, She Called Me Woman is a pillar of queer literature. In anthology format, this work combats the typical monolithic portrayal of all marginalised populations, letting each of the widely varied voices of queer Nigerian women speak in turn. This collection stands at the intersection of Nigerian feminism and queer activism, both challenging the oppressive systems limiting women and defying the gender binary altogether. With accounts as lyrical and moving as these, She Called Me Woman presents an in-depth account of what it is to be a queer, femme Nigerian.
The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives by Lola Shoneyin
Taking an inherently critical stance on the patriarchal dominance in Nigerian culture, The Secret Lives is a work of fiction taking place in Baba Segi’s polygamous household. Baba Segi is thrilled that his fourth wife, a semi-literate graduate, has entered the household. However, his wives are not. Restricted in education, these women are not only cold to the semi-literate Bolanle because of her studies, but they protect a secret that Bolanle’s presence threatens. Shedding light on a culture of sexual assault in a male-dominated culture, Shoneyin exposes the limitations on Nigerian women in a meaningful, nuanced way. A seasoned writer, this 2010 work was Shoneyin’s debut novel.
Recent and Upcoming Releases
The World Was in Our Hands: Voices from the Boko Haram Conflict by Chitra Nagarajan
This poignant collection of first-hand accounts of those living through the Boko Haram conflict is an important and thought-provoking read. From abducted girls and simple fishermen to bold soldiers and community leaders, the voices within this book shine a light on the difficult realities of living through conflict. Themes of patriarchy, economics, corruption and climate change paint a complex picture of a conflict previously only visible to many through media outlets.
Author, Chitra Nagarajan has spent many years researching and campaigning for human rights and peace and has cultivated a powerful presence in queer, feminist, anti-racist and anti-fundamentalist movements. By collecting the stories within these pages, Nagarajan has curated a key part of the cultural archive around women’s rights, civilian protection and conflict mitigation.
On Women and Handbags: 50 Iconic Women Through the Ages by Mylo Freeman
This beautifully illustrated anthology showcases fifty women throughout history and their relationship to their bags.
In this text, award-winning author and illustrator, Mylo Freeman presents readers with a diverse range of women, from fashion designers like Vivienne Westwood to activists like Josephine Baker, to pioneers like Nellie Bly to modern music icons like Rihanna. Proudly placing women at the forefront of this story, Freeman offers an exciting history where women take centre stage.
Easy to dip in and out of, this is a must-read for those who love history, fashion and women’s stories.
Flying Up the Mountain by Elizabeth-Irene Baitie
When Ato and his friends arrive at the bird sanctuary to find something valuable left behind by his father, the trio uncovers a sinister plot to destroy the sanctuary. In this heart-warming and thrilling tale, Ato must work to save the sanctuary before it is too late.
As a director of a medical laboratory, Elizabeth-Irene Baitie’s novels offer readers the opportunity to learn as well as be entertained. This colourful and exciting tale follows on from Crossing the Stream in an engaging and delightful way.