Paperworth Books has set April 2024 to release a COVID-19 anthology of stories and poems edited by Ibiso Graham-Douglas.
COVIK ONE NINE is a collection of narratives encapsulating the resilience, despair, and redemption woven into the fabric of the COVID-tinged Nigerian and diasporic experience. “I wanted to capture our collective perceptions and experiences of the COVID era, defining it for our people and a generation”, remarks the editor.
“How it disrupted lives, and yet how resilience prevailed.”
COVIK ONE NINE contains poems from Obari Gomba, the 2023 winner of the prestigious Nigeria Prize for Literature and short stories from Michael Afenfia, author of the riveting, novel, The Mechanics of Yenagoa.
It also benefits from contributions from Chimeka Garricks, who wrote Tomorrow Died Yesterday, the thoughtful fictional take on Niger Delta angst as well as Olukorede S. Yishau, author of Vaults of Secrets, which was long-listeed long listed for the 2021 Nigeria Prize for Literature. The anthology introduces new voices like Dolapo Marinho, Shehu Zock-Sock and Michael W. Ndiomu.
“The book takes you on a journey through the intricacies of life in the COVID era with a rich tapestry of narratives in poetic and prose fictional forms. Eight esteemed and emerging storytellers spin yarns that traverse the landscapes of Nigeria and its diaspora, offering profound insights into the essence of our shared humanity.
About the Editor
Ibiso Graham-Douglas is a seasoned publisher and book industry professional with over two decades of expertise. Her impact is evident across the literary landscape, with a portfolio of titles across various genres. As the founder of Paperworth Books, Ibiso firmly believes in the inherent richness of African narratives, considering them fundamentally universal and complete in their own right.
