My first book, a novel in stories titled Jollof Rice and Other Revolutions was published in the US by Amistad Books on September 13, 2022 and on January 19, 2023 by Trapeze Books in the United Kingdom and much of the Commonwealth.
Jollof Rice and Other Revolutions covers a timespan from 1897 to 2050. Moving between Nigeria and America, and featuring brief stops in Ghana, Poland, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana, Jollof Rice and Other Revolutions examines the lives of a distinctive group of Nigerian women, illuminating the challenges they face and the risks they take to control their destinies.
Here’s the US publisher site and book description.
Here’s the UK publisher site.
Reviews
New York Times Book Review. From Nigeria to the United States — and to the Future:
“The brilliance of Ogunyemi’s writing is that … you’ll realize that from the book’s earliest pages (which are set in 1897) to its final pages (set in 2050), she lays out exactly what is to come…. Each of the 10 chapters that make up this novel can stand on its own, but together they tell a beautiful story of sisterhood, family and love.”
Starred review from Booklist:
“Jollof Rice and Other Revolutions celebrates friendship, the power of community and home, and the joy of being a woman able to take control of her destiny… Ogunyemi’s writing has the power to reverberate through generations.”
Publishers Weekly’s review of the book:
“A dynamic novel in stories… Through the many leaps in time and views from supporting characters, Ogunyemi succeeds at showing how each of the four women’s lives were shaped by their fiery youth. These richly developed stories are resonant and rewarding.”
A review of the book from Kirkus Reviews:
“These stories both collapse and reconstruct the coming-of-age arc in a refreshing way. The final story shines brightest in imagining a near future for the elders the girls become, and for the U.S. and Nigeria, that exceeds Aristotle’s maxim that a good ending be surprising yet inevitable. Ogunyemi explores myriad themes, from religion and fundamentalism to grief and resilience, capitalism and corruption, with aplomb.”
Shelf Awareness:
“For admiring readers, the radiance of Ogunyemi’s debut hopefully signals more dazzling fiction to come.”
An excerpt from Library Journal’s review of the book:
“These beautifully rendered stories form an impressive whole that will please multiple literary tastes, combining Nigerian history with a touch of mysticism, and contemporary familial angst with a dire futuristic vision.”
PureWow:
“…a cohesive celebration of friendship, the power of community and the Nigerian diaspora through a compelling group of friends.”
The Southern Bookseller Review:
“…a powerful and engrossing American debut….Romance, power struggles, day-in-the-life: this novel has something for everyone.”
Isele Magazine:
“Reading this text felt like watching a seasoned mamaput vendor prepare a local delicacy… In the end, what we have is a meticulously detailed narrative that pulsates. And it takes a lot of dedication to craft and language, and careful attention to history, for a writer to create this kind of excellence.”
Bookclub
October 2022 pick for Roxane Gay’s Audacious Book Club via LiteratiIn the News/Book Lists
Oprah Daily: 30 of the Best Fall Fiction Books of 2022 to Cuddle Up WithToronto Star: 40-plus books we’re most looking forward to this season
Ms. Magazine: September 2022 Reads for the Rest of Us
The Root: Books by Black Authors We Can’t Wait to Read This September
Bustle: The Most Anticipated Books Of September 2022
Bookish: Fall & Winter Preview: 30 Books to Have on Your Radar
Buzz Feed Books: All The Best Books Releasing In September
The Millions: September Preview: The Millions Most Anticipated
The Millions: Tuesday New Release Day: Starring Ma, Riley, Ogunyemi, and More
PureWow: 9 Books We Can’t Wait to Read in September
Debutiful: 12 can’t-miss debut books you should read this September
Lit Hub: 24 glorious new books to welcome into the world today
Book Riot: New Releases and More for September 13, 2022
BiblioLifestyle: Best Fall 2022 Short Story Collections
The New Yorker: Briefly Noted Book Reviews
New York Times: The Book Review, October 14, 2022
New York Times Editors’ Choice: 9 New Books We Recommend This Week, October 20, 2022
Columbia University Office of the University Chaplain’s Fall 2022 Reading List, October 20, 2022
Sisters from AARP: 6 Novels by New and Best-Selling Authors Explore What It Means to Be Seen
The New Yorker: The Best Books of 2022 So Far
NPR: Books We Love (2022) – review here
Los Angeles Public Library: Best of 2022: Fiction
Shondaland: 10 Books You May Have Missed in 2022
Seattle Public Library: Best Debut Fiction of 2022
Glamour Magazine UK: 17 best new books of January 2023: the hottest reads to kickstart your year
Excerpts
The Lead (UK): Excerpt from Jollof Rice and Other RevolutionsInterviews
Essence Magazine: September/October 2022 print issue interviewWriter’s Digest interview: On Female Relationships in Literary Fiction
Interview, The Karen Hunter Show, Sirius XM Radio Urban View Ch 126, September 19, 2022. Audio
Brown Girl Collective Book Club interview
Debutiful: Omolola Ijeoma Ogunyemi and Other Revolutions
Brittle Paper: A Conversation with Omolola Ijeoma Ogunyemi on Her Captivating Debut Collection Jollof Rice and Other Revolutions
Tapestry: Weaving Life Stories podcast with Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew
Writer’s Voice podcast with Francesca Rheannon