Nigerian-born author Chika Unigwe has been named a finalist for the 2025 Townsend Prize for Fiction for her novel The Middle Daughter.
Born on June 12, 1974, in Enugu, Nigeria, Unigwe holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and a Master’s degree from the Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium. She earned her PhD in Literature from the University of Leiden in the Netherlands, with a dissertation titled In the Shadow of Ala; Igbo Women Writing as an Act of Righting.
The Middle Daughter, published by Dzanc Books in April 2023, is a modern retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth set in Enugu, Nigeria. The novel follows Nani, a young woman who, after the tragic loss of her sister and father, becomes entangled in an abusive marriage with a charismatic preacher. The narrative delves into themes of family, resilience, and self-discovery.
Unigwe’s literary career includes several acclaimed works, such as On Black Sisters Street (2009) and Night Dancer (2012). Her writing often explores the experiences of African women, both on the continent and in the diaspora. Unigwe has won many accolades in recognition of her talent, including being selected for the Hay Festival’s Africa39 list in 2014, which honored 39 Sub-Saharan African writers under the age of 40 with the potential to shape future trends in African literature.
The Townsend Prize for Fiction, awarded biennially, honours outstanding works by Georgia writers. Unigwe, who has previously taught at Brown University and Emory University, is currently a faculty member at Georgia College. Her nomination for this prestigious award underscores her impact on the literary scene both within and beyond Africa.
The winner of the 2025 Townsend Prize for Fiction will be announced on April 16, 2025 at a ceremony in Atlanta, Georgia.
Congratulations, Chika Unigwe!
Bakare Oluwatobiloba
I write to educate, motivate and define history with literature. Just being me!
