Description
Book SynopsisAn anthology of noir stories set in the tumultuous metropolis, Lagos. Edited by Chris Abani, this collection brings together brand new stories from some of Nigeria’s best loved writers. From the introduction by Chris Abani: The thirteen stories that comprise this volume stretch the boundaries of "noir" fiction, but each one of them fully captures the essence of noir, the unsettled darkness that continues to lurk in the city's streets, alleys, and waterways...Together, these stories create an unchartered path through the center of Lagos and out to its peripheries, revealing so much more truth at the heart of this tremendous city than any guidebook, TV show, film, or book you are likely to find.
Trade ReviewThe African megalopolis of Lagos, Nigeria, makes a perfect setting for mystery stories with a noir bent. Urban anonymity and alienation are key to noir, as are femmes fatales, con men, heist crews, crooked cops, and naïve newcomers from the sticks. The sights, sounds, and equatorial heat of the big city heighten the tensions inherent in tales of robbery, murder, and other desperate acts. Crime is no respecter of class either, with stories set in the wealthiest, gated enclaves and the poorest of the poor shantytowns. The smell of local street food cooking over fires on every street corner is omnipresent…
With its breadth of contributors, this latest volume in the publisher’s city noir series will satisfy both the fan of contemporary African fiction and the newcomer interested in discovering some new voices. — Dan Forrest, Western Kentucky Univ. Libs., Bowling Green
Table of ContentsIntroduction
PART I: COPS & ROBBERS
What They Did That Night
Heaven’s Gate
Showlogo
Just Ignore and Try to Endure
PART II: IN A FAMILY WAY
The Swimming Pool
What Are You Going To Do?
For Baby, For Three
Eden
Joy
PART III: ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES
Choir Boy
The Walking Stick
Uncle Sam International Airport
Killer Ape
About the Contributors
