A captivating new novel, Somadina, by National Book Award finalist Akwaeke Emezi, is poised to captivate readers with its magical West African setting and gripping narrative.
The book follows Somadina, a teen girl grappling with terrifying new powers, as she embarks on a perilous journey to find her missing twin brother, Jayaike, in a world where the extraordinary is ordinary. As Somadina searches for her twin brother Jayaike, she must confront not only the mysteries of her own burgeoning abilities but also the weight of a heritage that ties her to something far greater than herself.
Set for release on April 15, 2025, Somadina builds on Emezi’s acclaimed body of work, including the National Book Award finalist Pet. The story weaves themes of family, identity, and the power of the past, drawing on rich West African folklore and showcasing Emezi’s signature storytelling.
Akwaeke Emezi, a trailblazing Nigerian writer and artist, born in Umuahia, Nigeria, in 1987, identifies as non-binary transgender and uses they/them pronouns, drawing inspiration from their Igbo heritage and experiences as an ogbanje—a spirit bridging the human and spiritual realms.
Their breakout novel, Freshwater (2018), explored multiplicity and earned a nomination for the Women’s Prize for Fiction, while subsequent works like Pet—a National Book Award finalist—and The Death of Vivek Oji have solidified their status as “one of our greatest living writers” (Shondaland).
With a background in poetry, filmmaking, and a diverse educational path spanning veterinary studies and public policy, Emezi’s storytelling spans speculative fiction, romance, and memoir, often centering queer, indigenous Black realities.
With its release just weeks away on April 15, 2025, anticipation is already building among readers and critics alike. To preorder the book, simply follow this link
Bakare Oluwatobiloba
I write to educate, motivate and define history with literature. Just being me!
