Books have the incredible power to bridge the gap between distant places and our imaginations. No matter how fresh or familiar, a book can always take you somewhere new, introducing new perspectives and viewpoints.

We delve into the Women’s Prize library for this new series traveling around the globe, with this edition taking you to beautiful Nigeria via the very best books written by women.

Shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2004

Purple Hibiscus is a powerful exploration of identity, freedom, and the clash between tradition and modernity. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s debut novel delves into the lives of a family grappling with oppression and love, offering a poignant and thought-provoking narrative.

Longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2011

Lola Shoneyin weaves a suspenseful tale set in Nigeria, taking readers into the polygamous household of Baba Segi. As secrets simmer beneath the surface, this novel offers a captivating glimpse into the lives of Baba Segi’s wives, exploring themes of love, betrayal, and resilience.

Shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2014

Spanning continents and generations, Americanah follows the journey of Ifemelu and Obinze as they navigate race, identity, and love. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s masterful storytelling illuminates the complexities of the immigrant experience, offering a rich and engrossing exploration of belonging and cultural identity.

Shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2017

Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀’s debut novel delves into the emotional turmoil of a Nigerian couple struggling with infertility and societal pressures. Stay With Me is a deeply moving exploration of love, loss, and the complexities of family, set in Nigeria, offering a poignant and unforgettable narrative.

Shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2019

Darkly comedic and irresistibly suspenseful, My Sister the Serial Killer follows Korede as she grapples with her sister Ayoola’s murderous tendencies in Nigeria. Oyinkan Braithwaite crafts a twisted tale of family loyalty and deadly secrets, offering a fresh and captivating take on the psychological thriller genre.

Longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2019

Drawing from their own experiences, Akwaeke Emezi delivers a mesmerizing autobiographical fiction exploring identity, mental health, and spirituality in Nigeria. Freshwater is a lyrical and haunting journey into the depths of the human psyche, offering a unique and transformative reading experience.

Longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2020

Set in Nigeria, Girl is a harrowing tale of incarceration, horror, and hunger. Edna O’Brien’s powerful novel shines a light on the brutal realities faced by young women abducted by Boko Haram, offering a searing indictment of violence and oppression.