Monday, June 23, 2008

Swallow by Sefi Atta


Sefi Atta's Swallow is now for sale on Amazon here. Here is some blurb:

It is the mid 1980s in Lagos and the government’s War Against Indiscipline and austerity measures are fully in operation. Tolani Ajao is a secretary working at Federal Community Bank. A succession of unfortunate events lead Tolani’s roommate and colleague, Rose, to persuade her to consider drug trafficking as an alternative means of making a living. Tolani’s subsequent struggle with temptation forces her to reconsider her morality and that of her mother Arike’s, as she embarks on a turbulent journey of self-discovery.

“In this unique novel, outstanding new literary talent Sefi Atta takes great strides in style and form, to bring wit and passion to the heartbreaking story of Tolani and Rose, two young women struggling, not always successfully to make an honest living in contemporary Nigeria...Atta tells in an eminently readable voice the irreconcilable nature of the two friends’ fates.” – Tsitsi Dangarembga, author of Nervous Conditions

“Tender, fierce, vivid and memorable -- a bold, distinctive novel from a writer who doesn't compromise her integrity.” – Leila Aboulela, author of Minaret

“The bustle, chaos and fast rhythm of Lagos jump from the pages of Swallow, Sefi Atta’s new book. It is fiction steeped in life.” – Veronique Tadjo, author of As the Crow Flies

“Sefi Atta has woven a quietly intricate powerful tale that pulls from problems of gender, class, and Lagosian life. It’s a novel whose many colorful characters, compelling story, distinct place and turbulent time will stay with you long after you’ve read the last word.” – Nnedi Okorafor-Mbachu, author of Zahrah the Windseeker

“Sefi’s Swallow is a triumph of the terse. It throbs with laconic intelligence and the veritable Sefi Atta denouement.” – Tade Ipadeola, author of A Time of Signs

7 comments:

Standtall 4:47 pm  

This is a must read novel. I have got to get one. Tell me Jeremy, when will i appear on your blogroll?

Standtall 7:00 pm  

Jeremy, I could have sworn that I had u on my blog hence the request. I must have forgotten to put it back after changing my template.But I subscribed to ur blog via bloglines. So I am updated all the time

Anonymous,  12:14 am  

“The bustle, chaos and fast rhythm of Lagos jump from the pages of Swallow, Sefi Atta’s new book. It is fiction steeped in life.” – Veronique Tadjo, author of As the Crow Flies

S'funny..coulda sworn Ngugi wa Thiongo wrote As the Crow flies....Who is this books editor?!

Bought this book this evening from a bookstore in Naij:; paperback,-costN1500. LOOVE Sefi Atta's short stories-hope this book is good

Anonymous,  9:48 am  

I bought the book but yet to read it. the cover is awlful. I only bought it cause I love Sefi Atta's stories. N1,500 is a bit steep!!

Anonymous,  1:47 pm  

egg on my face!
Ngugi book is the wizard of the crow.
mea culpa

Yellow Fever,  2:31 pm  

"S'funny..coulda sworn Ngugi wa Thiongo wrote As the Crow flies....Who is this books editor?!"

Ehn hen, you se your sef? Ngugi's book na "Wizard of the Crow" no be "As the Crow Flies." Typical Nigerian, you just open mouth dey shout. Why people just dey mescaform anyhow?

Anonymous,  12:52 am  

I just got sent a copy of this book by my father in nigeria. They know that I love love Sefi's work. But oh my god, the production quality is so poor. This is really really bad. How can the publisher do this to a writer. It is a crime. I am really put of by the production quality. I am dying to read the book, but I just can't get over it. My friend said that is the standard for books published in Nigeria and this one is actually better.

But still I love Sefi's writing.

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