"It is true that the book is really the only benchmark we and the West use. But let me propose that there are great stories on the Internet written by new African writers that are being ignored because they do not breathe between book covers." - Ikhide IkelolaI chose the quote above from literary critic, Ikhide Ikeloa, well, Because the Internet ... Honestly, we are only a couple weeks into 2015 and already there is so much awesomeness available for lovers of African literature (especially those into genre fiction) courtesy of the Internet. A couple days ago Jalada released its second anthology Afrofutures, while last week the amazing Brittle Paper launched an African Fantasy Series - In the Shadows of Iyanibi by Eugene Odogwu.
Illustration by Reez Ruiz. Image via Brittle Paper
In the Shadow of Iyanibi is a three-part story, which runs over the course of six-weeks and will be accompanied by beautiful custom illustrations from Mexican illustrator Reez Ruiz (can also find him @REEZruiz). Here’s a synopsis courtesy of Brittle Paper:In the Shadow of Iyanibi is a story about a brave and gifted girl named Ihumbi, who is swept up in a series of frightful encounters involving the search for a missing sister in a forest of deep, dark shadows.
The three-part tale follows the confrontation between young Ihumbi and Urunma—a forest-dwelling demigoddess always hungry for the souls of lost children. Urunma is a mother’s worst nightmare and a child’s greatest fear. Preying on a child’s desire for sweet and colorful things, she steals the souls of children lost in the forest and holds them in enchanted captivity.
The story vicariously transports you to the enchanting gloom of an old forest and a brave girl’s attempt to confront the ancient horror that lies deep within its shadows.
In the Shadow of Iyanibi is a richly-imagined and suspenseful tale of bravery and the steadfastness of a sister’s love.
The first part of the story was published on January 12th. Read it here. Happy reading!!! Stay tuned for the second part, which will be published January 26th.
PS. Brittle Paper will be releasing three story series in 2015 - In The Shadows of Iyanibi, is the first.
In the Shadow of Iyanibi is a story about a brave and gifted girl named Ihumbi, who is swept up in a series of frightful encounters involving the search for a missing sister in a forest of deep, dark shadows.It’s a three-part story, accompanied by custom illustrations, that will run over six weeks.
The three-part tale follows the confrontation between young Ihumbi and Urunma—a forest-dwelling demigoddess always hungry for the souls of lost children. Urunma is a mother’s worst nightmare and a child’s greatest fear. Preying on a child’s desire for sweet and colorful things, she steals the souls of children lost in the forest and holds them in enchanted captivity.
The story vicariously transports you to the enchanting gloom of an old forest and a brave girl’s attempt to confront the ancient horror that lies deep within its shadows.
In the Shadow of Iyanibi is a richly-imagined and suspenseful tale of bravery and the steadfastness of a sister’s love.
Monday the 12th of January is the date to save on your calendar so you don’t miss the first story.
Tags: abiku stories, adunni, african fantasy, African literature, african young adult, ayodele olofintuade, eugene odogwu, Home This May Not Be News But… | African Literary Gossip Vol. 1 | Adichie, Selasi, Lalami, Abani, and More African Literary Event in NYC | Book Chat with Jonny Steinberg and Dinaw Mengestu
About Ainehi Edoro
View all posts by Ainehi Edoro
I'm finishing up a phd at Duke University where I study African
novels, which I believe are some of the loveliest things ever written.
Brittle Paper is the virtual space/station where I play and experiment
with ideas on how to reinvent African fiction and literary culture.
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Facebook URL - See more at: http://brittlepaper.com/2015/01/brittle-paper-launches-african-fantasy-story-series/#sthash.noY4OikS.dpuf Eugene Odogwu’s In The Shadows of Iyanibi, a fantastic tale that is sure to keep you glued to your phones and ipads. - See more at: http://brittlepaper.com/2015/01/brittle-paper-launches-african-fantasy-story-series/#sthash.noY4OikS.dpuf Eugene Odogwu’s In The Shadows of Iyanibi, a fantastic tale that is sure to keep you glued to your phones and ipads. - See more at: http://brittlepaper.com/2015/01/brittle-paper-launches-african-fantasy-story-series/#sthash.noY4OikS.dpuf
Eugene Odogwu’s In The Shadows of Iyanibi, a fantastic tale that is sure to keep you glued to your phones and ipads. - See more at: http://brittlepaper.com/2015/01/brittle-paper-launches-african-fantasy-story-series/#sthash.noY4OikS.dpuf
