Ouida Books, a leading publishing firm based in Lagos, Nigeria, has announced that award-winning writer E.C. Osondu will join its roster of authors.
Ouida Books has concluded arrangements to publish the author’s novel, When The Sky Is Ready The Stars Will Appear, in the second quarter of the year as part of its commitment to delivering powerful African stories by exceptional writers to readers across the globe. Publication date is 27 August 2021.
When The Sky Is Ready The Stars Will Appear follows a young man’s dream of travelling to the city of Rome. His long and arduous journey across the desert and the sea is emblematic of many Africans who walk the same path in their quest to get to Europe and beyond. Through his experiences and the portrayal of other characters travelling with him, the author weaves an unforgettable tale that connects many who are driven in desperation from their home countries because of a lack of opportunities.
Lola Shoneyin, publisher at Ouida Books, said: “E.C. Osondu’s voice captures the humour and mischievousness of everyday Nigerian interactions. His writing is memorable, and we are very excited to be publishing this new work.”
Ouida Books Chief Editor, Molara Wood, said: “The time is indeed right to publish this slim and elegant novel, an elegiac tale about a phenomenon of our time – the often harrowing journeys of thousands of Africans trekking through the desert in search of the oasis of elsewhere. It will resonate with readers everywhere.”
This is the fifth published book for Osondu, winner of the Caine Prize and the Pushcart Prize. He is the author of Voice of America, a collection of short stories; and a novel, This House Is Not For Sale. His work has been translated into Japanese, Icelandic, Belarussian, German and Italian. He is a Professor of English at Providence College in Rhode Island, USA.
Ouida Books, which includes the children’s imprint Tanja and nonfiction imprint Cognix, has published some of the best novels in recent years, including: Stay With Me by Ayobami Adebayo, Travellers by Helon Habila, Taduno’s Song by Odafe Atogun, Binti by Nnedi Okorafor.