A Spell of Good Things is a literary fiction novel written by Nigerian novelist Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀ and published by Canongate Books in February 2023.[1] It is nominated for the 2023 Booker Prize[2][3] and shortlisted for the Dylan Thomas Prize and Encore Award.[4][5]
| Author | Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀ |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | Domestic fiction |
| Publisher | Canongate Books |
Publication date | February 2023 |
| Publication place | Nigeria |
| Media type | |
| ISBN | 9781838856045 |
Plot summary
editEniola, a young boy attending secondary school, hails from a once middle-class family that has fallen into poverty following his father's loss of employment as a history teacher. Eniola stands out in his community due to his remarkable height, which often leads people to mistake him for someone much older. His father's unemployment forces Eniola to take on various odd jobs, including assisting a local tailor and running errands, while also resorting to begging on occasion to make ends meet. Despite his challenging circumstances, Eniola holds onto his dreams of achieving greatness and a better life.
Meanwhile, Wuraola, a successful young doctor from a wealthy family. Meanwhile, her romantic involvement with Kunle, the son of a prominent politician, adds a layer of complexity to her life. The paths of Eniola and Wuraola intersect unexpectedly when a local politician takes an interest in Eniola, altering the course of both their lives. The situation escalates dramatically during a family gathering, as an eruption of violence disrupts the event and sends shockwaves through their community. Through her compelling storytelling, Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀ explores the stark divide between the privileged and the underprivileged in Nigeria, highlighting the shared humanity that connects them all.
Characters
edit- Eniola
- Eniola’s father
- Wuraola
- Kunle
- Motara
- Yeye
References
edit- ^ Popescu, Lucy (26 February 2023). "A Spell of Good Things by Ayòbámi Adébáyò review – a blistering indictment of the abuse of power". The Guardian. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
- ^ Laketu, Adedayo (1 August 2023). "Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀'s Novel, A Spell of Good Things, Secures Spot on the Longlist for the 2023 Booker Prize". OkayAfrica. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
- ^ "A Spell of Good Things by Ayobami Adebayo - Canongate Books". canongate.co.uk. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
- ^ Creamer, Ella (21 March 2024). "Caleb Azumah Nelson and Mary Jean Chan shortlisted for Dylan Thomas prize". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 5 July 2024.
- ^ "Novels by Isabella Hammad and Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀ vying for the 10k Encore Award". The Bookseller. Retrieved 5 July 2024.