In an email interview, she revealed that magical realism is new to her reading diet, and expressed fondness for the March sisters — especially Beth. SCOTT HELLER
What books are on your night stand?
At present, “Madame Sosostris & the Festival for the Broken-Hearted,” by Ben Okri, and “Murdle,” by G.T. Karber.
Describe your ideal reading experience (when, where, what, how).
On my sofa, a physical book in one hand, a drink in the other — hot cocoa if it’s cold, an elderflower mocktail at any other time — and a stash of chocolate I can absent-mindedly pop into my mouth, delicious yet calorie-free. The calorie-free part is essential.
Have you ever gotten in trouble for reading a book?
I don’t think I ever got in real trouble for reading, though my mother quickly discovered that confiscating my books was an extremely effective punishment. I did, however, land myself in a bit of trouble once when I was caught writing instead of working during my gap year.
Do you count any books as guilty pleasures?
I used to consume quite a few Mills & Boon novels in between my “heavy” reads, but I’d rarely mention Mills & Boon when asked what I’d been reading. It’s terrible, really, that I didn’t count them among my books. Many were genuinely engaging — each one the product of someone’s passion and hard work.
Can a great book be badly written? What other criteria can overcome bad prose?
Perhaps. But I do think it’s harder to overcome bad prose than poor plotting.
On Instagram you describe yourself as “Christian-in-walking; Writer-in-transit; Animator-in-training.” Tell me more.
I simply mean that I practice the Christian faith in that I do my best to follow the teachings of Christ. And with my writing, it’s something similar: I’m still growing, still absorbing, still trying to figure out where exactly I fit. The animator-in-training part is more straightforward — I love the art form, and I’m doing my best to learn the craft.
The follow-up to a breakout novel like “My Sister, the Serial Killer” is hard for a writer. Did it worry you?
It did worry me. It took me years to calm my anxiety so that I could begin writing my sophomore novel. I was aware that my fears were not unique to me, that there was such a thing as second novel syndrome, but knowing did not make the phenomenon easier to deal with. But honestly, each novel comes with its own set of challenges — every novel is hard.
What did you want to accomplish in this novel that you didn’t in the first?
I try to challenge myself with every new piece of writing, and with “Cursed Daughters” there were a few things I had never attempted before — multiple timelines being one of them.
Who are your favorite literary daughters?
The March girls. And my feelings toward each of them have evolved as I have grown. Except for Beth. My love for Beth has been constant.
Your favorite literary serial killers?
I do not read anywhere near as many serial killer stories as people seem to believe; but I did recently read “A Certain Hunger,” by Chelsea G. Summers. And she takes her reader on an interesting, quite bloody, ride.
Tell me about fellow Nigerian writers who deserve to be better known.
Lesley Nneka Arimah is a powerful storyteller, as is Uche Okonkwo. I would also add Titi Sonuga to that list — she’s a spoken word poet.
Do you have a favorite bookstore or literary haunt in Lagos?
For a short time, I attended a book club called the Sunshine Book Club, which met at Quintessence bookstore in Parkview, Ikoyi. Quintessence is part bookstore, part art gallery, and full of character. I went with my then-boyfriend, now husband, and we were surrounded by people who quickly became friends. I still think back on those days warmly.
What books are you embarrassed not to have read yet?
There are too many to count!
How have your reading tastes changed over time?
I don’t read quite as much fantasy or crime as I used to, because I’ve picked up some new loves to add to the mix, like magical realism. I once stumbled upon stories in that genre by accident, but now I seek them out with intention.
What’s the last book you recommended to a member of your family?
I recommended “Life of Pi” to my husband. I am certain he will enjoy it.
You’re organizing a literary dinner party. Which three writers, dead or alive, do you invite?
Toni Morrison, certainly — though I’d be far too intimidated to say much in her presence. Perhaps Charlotte Brontë, fingers crossed she isn’t racist (it was a different time). I could accept her being stunned, and I would fully expect confused — she did die two centuries ago, after all — but I don’t think I could bear disgusted. And my third would be Malorie Blackman, whose mind I’m deeply curious about.
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