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The Middle Daughter with Chika Unigwe and Nour Khairi

  • Bookbag Fore Street Exeter, England, EX4 3AN United Kingdom (map)

Join us to hear Chika Unigwe talk about her latest novel 'The Middle Daughter' with Nour Khairi

The Middle Daughter is a modern, feminist reimagining of the myth of Hades and Persephone that asks: what does a powerful woman look like? It's a heart-breaking and compelling story of the binds of tradition, the damage they can cause, and the courage it takes to break the silence. Exploring themes of sisterhood, the cultural stigma around sexual assault, baby factories and female independence.

In this event, Chika Unigwe will be discussing her work with Louise Umutoni of Kigali-based publisher Huza Press. Afterwards, we will be taking audience questions and holding a book signing.

Praise for The Middle Daughter

An emotionally charged exploration of the ways in which a woman may fall victim to conventions designed to ensnare her. Chika Unigwe is a writer of great conviction and superior insight . . . Nani’s story drew me in from the start and pulled me under right up until the end’ - Aminatta Forrna

Unigwe’s modern retelling of the myth of Hades and Persephone is pitch perfect - it is a meditation on the need we all share for belonging, and family, and love; a commentary on the journey we must all take in search of freedom’ - Helon Habila

Powerful...Unigwe’s textured imagery and rich, lyrical prose make this a welcome addition to Nigerian feminist literature.’ -- Publisher’s Weekly

Africa Writes Festival - Exeter 2023

Africa Writes is the UK’s leading platform celebrating the best contemporary African writing and is part of Exeter’s Unesco City of Literature programme. The events this year will include performances, book launches and workshops and are hosted in collaboration with independent bookshop Bookbag and creative hub Roots Resistance.

Cost: Free


About the Speakers

Chika Unigwe is Professor of Creative Writing at Georgia College and the author of several celebrated works of fiction including On Black Sisters’ Street, which won the NLNG Prize for Literature worth $100,000, and most recently the short story collection Better Never Than Late (2019).

Nour Khairi is a Sudanese poet, producer, and journalist interested in the possibilities of Afrofuturism, science, data and underrepresented communities. Emerge(ncy) is their poetry collection (2020). They hold an MA in Philosophy from Bristol University.


Accessibility Statement: Bookbag is an accessible venue located on street level with step free access and with access to a disabled bathroom. For further info do contact them directly via info@bookbag.shop.

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