Words from Nigeria 3 – Emezi’s Pet & Hunters for Truth

Words from Nigeria 3 – Emezi’s Pet & Hunters for Truth

From Waywords Studio Full Slate by Steve Chisnell

January 30, 2026 · 38 min

About this episode

The episode explores contemporary Nigerian literature through the works of Akwaeke Emezi and others, emphasizing the importance of engagement with cultural narratives.

Akwaeke Emezi demonstrates how Nigeria’s contemporary writers turn our conceptual realities around. They offer a YA novel that doesn’t condescend, but more, one which shows that we should not “walk away” from Omelas, but perhaps “Stay and Hunt.” This is also the final of three episodes which offers a broader look at the history and newer trends in Nigerian literature along with recommendations for reading. Part 1 discussed Dear Ijeawele by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and Part 2 explored Wole Soyinka’s play, The Trials of Brother Jero . Episode 6.25 – Words from Nigeria 3 – Emezi’s Pet & Hunters for Truth Full list of African writers with sample works I recommend: Abani, Chris (Nigeria): Graceland, The Secret History of Las Vegas Achebe, Chinua (Nigeria): Things Fall Apart, The Anthills of Savannah, Arrow of God, Hopes and Impediments Adeyemi, Tomi (Nigeria): Children of Blood and Bone Adichie, Chimamanda Ngozi (Nigeria): Dream Count, The Thing Around Your Neck, Americanah, Purple Hibiscus, Half of a Yellow Sun, Dear Ijeawele Agualusa, José Eduardo (Angola): A General Theory of Oblivion Armah, Ayi Kwei (Ghana): The Beautyful…

People in this episode

Host: Steve Chisnell

Topics covered

  • Nigerian literature
  • contemporary writers
  • young adult novels
  • literary recommendations
  • cultural narratives

Keywords

  • Nigerian writers
  • YA novels
  • literature trends
  • Akwaeke Emezi
  • Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
  • Wole Soyinka
  • book recommendations

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Dear Ijeawele, The Trials of Brother Jero, Things Fall Apart, The Anthills of Savannah, Arrow of God, Hopes and Impediments, Children of Blood and Bone, Dream Count, The Thing Around Your Neck, Americanah

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