Road To The Country, an African fiction authored by Chigozie Obioma was recently listed as one of the “75 best books of the year” by The Boston Globe Book Critics.
Published in June 2024, the novel is set against the backdrop of the Nigerian Civil War in the late 1960s. It follows Kunle, a shy university student grappling with guilt, who embarks on a perilous mission to find his missing brother. His journey becomes an odyssey of redemption and survival, blending realism and folklore as he navigates the chaos of war and a mystical prophecy marking him as an “abami eda”—a being destined to die and return to life.
Each year, The Boston Globe compiles a list of 75 remarkable books that have defined the literary landscape. Known for celebrating compelling narratives, groundbreaking perspectives, and exemplary writing, the annual feature is a coveted spot for authors. Founded in 1872, The Boston Globe has long been regarded as a cornerstone of American journalism, and its annual critics’ list is a benchmark for literary excellence.
Chigozie Obioma, hailed as one of the most influential writers of his generation, is a two-time Booker Prize finalist for The Fishermen (2015) and An Orchestra of Minorities (2019). His works, translated into over 30 languages, have earned him a slew of prestigious awards, including the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, the Internationaler Literaturpreis, and the FT/OppenheimerFunds Emerging Voices Award. His stories have been published in The New York Times, The Guardian, Granta, and other global platforms.
Road To The Country has been a literary masterpiece since the day it was published. Chigozie Obioma continues to reach new and incredible feats with his incredible plotlines and impactful stories. His novels aren’t only emotional jarring, they are also eye-openers which encourage readers to see things from different perspectives!
Congratulations Chigozie Obioma!
