Masobe Books is proud to reveal the cover for Necessary Fiction, the forthcoming novel from acclaimed Nigerian author Eloghosa Osunde.
Slated for release in 2025, Necessary Fiction is already generating excitement for its bold and thought-provoking storytelling. The vibrant cover design perfectly encapsulates the layered themes of the novel—resilience, identity, and the dynamic, sometimes chaotic, pulse of Lagos life.
The cover reveal marks the beginning of what promises to be a highly anticipated journey for readers worldwide, as Osunde introduces a cast of unforgettable characters whose lives are intricately woven together by love, ambition, and the need for survival. The cover’s bold imagery is a fitting prelude to the story’s depth and vibrancy, inviting readers to step into a world where every connection is charged with meaning and every choice carries weight.
Set in Lagos, one of Africa’s largest and most dynamic urban centers, Necessary Fiction follows the intersecting lives of more than two dozen characters as they navigate the complexities of love, family, identity, and survival. Through Osunde’s masterful storytelling, these characters seek self-acceptance and belonging, often at the cost of strained relationships with parents, partners, and friends.
At its core, Necessary Fiction is a meditation on the “necessary fictions” people create to survive—a web of half-truths, omissions, and self-narratives that allow individuals to navigate societal pressures while remaining true to their own desires. As these characters pursue their dreams across the vibrant landscapes of Lagos’ arts, music, and entertainment worlds, they must also confront the fragility of human connections and the weight of societal and familial expectations.
The novel explores universal questions about freedom and identity: What defines a family? Who determines our freedom? How do we reconcile societal expectations with personal truths? With Lagos as both a backdrop and a character in its own right, Necessary Fiction promises to be a vivid and thought-provoking narrative that examines the tensions between tradition, ambition, and the pursuit of authenticity.
Eloghosa Osunde is a Nigerian writer and multidisciplinary artist, known for her work in both literature and visual art. Her writing has appeared in prominent publications such as The Paris Review, Granta, Guernica, and Catapult. A graduate of the Lambda Literary Workshop (2019), the New York Film Academy (2017), and the Caine Prize Workshop (2018), Osunde’s artistic reach extends beyond writing to visual mediums, with her work featured in Vogue, The New York Times, and Paper Magazine.
She is also a 2020 MacDowell Colony Fellow and the 2021 prose judge for the Fugue Journal’s annual writing contest. Osunde’s art challenges the boundaries of reality, blending fiction, photography, and painting to explore themes of identity and existence. Her visual work has been exhibited across four continents, including solo exhibitions, and has even appeared during New York and Lagos Fashion Weeks. Necessary Fiction follows in the footsteps of her earlier works, offering a fresh perspective on contemporary challenges while pushing the boundaries of storytelling.
Masobe Books is one of Nigeria’s leading publishing houses, committed to amplifying African voices and showcasing the richness and diversity of African literature. Founded with the mission to promote compelling stories that resonate both locally and globally, Masobe has quickly built a reputation for curating exceptional works of fiction and nonfiction.
The publisher has been at the forefront of promoting groundbreaking narratives, providing a platform for emerging and established African writers to tell their stories authentically. With Necessary Fiction, Masobe once again demonstrates its dedication to bringing bold, thought-provoking works to readers worldwide.
Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the release of this groundbreaking novel from Masobe Books. Necessary Fiction is not just a story—it’s an experience, one that will resonate deeply with readers around the world!
Kgomotso Tsotetsi
Kgomotso is a passionate storyteller with a sharp eye for detail and a talent for uncovering the heart of any story. Having served as editor-in-chief and creative segment reporter for their high school newspaper, Kgomotso developed a strong foundation in investigative reporting, writing, and editorial management. Her approach combines creativity, precision, and an innate ability to connect with people, ensuring every narrative resonates deeply. Known for their curiosity and love for compelling storytelling, Kgomotso thrives in environments where impactful journalism takes center stage.
