The Bead Collector

‘A glimpse into the insular world of upper-class Nigeria during the mid-1970s... [a] fascinating combination of post-civil war Nigeria and good gossip.’ – Kirkus Reviews; ‘Witty, profound and illuminating, this will surely see its acclaimed author receive many more accolades. This immersive novel serves up many insights into Lagos life and politics, and Remi is a riveting narrator – an intelligent, intriguing woman.’ – Joanne Owen, Love Reading; ‘With a penetrating appreciation for the universal beliefs and behaviours that have the potential to unite disparate groups, Atta digs deep into the multifaceted layers of Nigerian history and traditions in this keen and nuanced examination of her country’s tumultuous past.’ – Booklist; ‘Atta is a seasoned and masterful storyteller.’ – Lola Shoneyin, author of The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives; ‘This is the bonfire of Nigerian vanities in full display. The Bead Collector is an era-defining novel told with devastating wit and literary aplomb.’ – Toni Kan, author of The Carnivorous City; ‘In The Bead Collector, through Atta's deliciously irreverent and precise prose, we encounter a nuanced world of deftly crafted characters, a narrative distinct for its social and political complexity and biting humour. The beauty of the story rests in its deceptively steady pace and the carefully placed details that create a sense of mounting suspense and ultimately a deeply enjoyable reading experience.’ – Yewande Omotoso, author of The Woman Next Door; ‘Sefi Atta has crafted yet another stunning novel, a deeply compelling, illuminating story of personal and national identity in a time of great transition.’ – Gayle Brandeis, author of The Book of Dead Birds, winner of the Bellwether Prize for Fiction of Social Engagement