Nigerian writer Maryann Ifeanacho has been shortlisted for The Emma Press literary Award for her novella An Estate of Ironies.
Founded in 2012, The Emma Press is an independent publisher committed to championing fresh, diverse voices in poetry and prose. Their open submission calls attract writers from all over the world, and they are known for their dedication to publishing unique, thought-provoking work.
The announcement, made on February 13, 2025, places Ifeanacho among an elite group of authors whose works captivated the judges during the August 2024 general call for submissions.
The Emma Press, a UK-based independent publisher, received 516 submissions from writers around the world, all competing for a chance to have their works published. Ifeanacho’s An Estate of Ironies stood out for its compelling storytelling, which follows the perspective of a seven-year-old boy, Kesandu, navigating life in a slum in Enugu, Nigeria. Judges praised the novella’s humor, poignancy, and intelligence, making it one of the shortlisted entries.
Set against the backdrop of an Enugu slum, An Estate of Ironies offers readers a glimpse into the resilience, wit, and struggles of young Kesandu as he interprets the world around him. Through vivid narration and a sharp narrative voice, Ifeanacho weaves a story that balances sadness and humor while shedding light on social and economic realities in Nigeria.
A Nigerian writer with a profound passion for languages, psychology, film, and literature. MaryAnn Ifeanacho holds an MA in Creative Writing from the University of Hertfordshire and is fluent in Spanish.
Her literary journey has been marked by several accolades. She was shortlisted for the 2011 UBA National Essay Writing Competition and the 2017 African Rubiz Prize for Prose. In 2023, she earned a spot on the shortlist for the Fab Prize for Children’s Fiction. Her novella, An Estate of Ironies, was a finalist in the 2024 WTAW Alcove Chapbook Competition. Additionally, her short story “Mykonos in Congealed Blood” was featured in Flame Tree Publishing’s African Ghost Stories Anthology in April 2024. She is also a contributor to JAY Lit, with her work appearing in Issue 7.
Ifeanacho’s upbringing in Anambra State, Nigeria, deeply influences her writing. She often incorporates Igbo culture and folklore into her narratives, reimagining traditional tales to explore contemporary themes. Her works predominantly fall within the magical realism genre, reflecting her interest in blending the extraordinary with the mundane.
Her recent shortlisting for The Emma Press Literary Award for her novella An Estate of Ironies underscores her growing prominence in the literary world.
Congratulations MaryAnn Ifeanacho!
Bakare Oluwatobiloba
I write to educate, motivate and define history with literature. Just being me!
