The Fishermen By: Chigozie Obioma

The Fishermen: A Mesmerizing Debut from Chigozie Obioma

The Fishermen, published by Pushkin Press on October 1st, 2015, is a captivating exploration of brotherhood, fate, and the power of storytelling. This debut novel by Nigerian author Chigozie Obioma is a must-read for anyone seeking a richly textured narrative that blends African folklore with contemporary themes.

About the Book

The Fishermen, nestled in a paperback binding (216 mm height, 135 mm width), is an enchanting tale set in a small town in western Nigeria. The novel follows the lives of four brothers, aged nine to fifteen, who defy their father's wishes by fishing at a forbidden local river.

Obioma's prose brings alive the lush landscapes and the tense atmosphere as the brothers encounter a madman who predicts that the oldest brother will meet his end at another's hands. This prophecy shatters their bond and sets off a tragic chain of events with almost mythical proportions.

A Unique Blend of African Storytelling

The Fishermen is rooted deeply in African storytelling traditions, reminiscent of Chinua Achebe's works. Yet, Obioma's voice is distinctly his own, weaving a tale that is both timeless and contemporary.

Obioma draws inspiration from the oral traditions of his native Nigeria, creating a narrative that feels alive and immediate. The story unfolds like a cautionary tale passed down through generations, captivating readers with its rhythm and raw emotion.

The Author's Journey

Author Chigozie Obioma was born in 1986 in Akure, Nigeria. His journey as a writer has taken him from Nigeria to Cyprus, Turkey, and finally, the United States where he completed his MFA in Creative Writing at the University of Michigan.

His short stories have appeared in prestigious publications such as Virginia Quarterly Review and New Madrid. The Fishermen is Obioma's first novel, following a string of awards for his short fiction, including the Rolex Mentor and Protege Arts Initiative.

Unforgettable Characters and Universal Themes

The Fishermen introduces readers to unforgettable characters, each with their unique voice and agency. Through these brothers, Obioma explores themes of love, loss, and redemption that resonate universally.

The novel's pacing is masterful, drawing readers in with its slow burn before exploding into tragedy. The story challenges readers to question fate, free will, and the power dynamics between people.

Book Details

• Binding: Paperback
• Height: 216 mm
• ISBN-13: 9780992918248
• Language: English
• No of Pages: 304
• Publisher: Pushkin Press
• Publisher Date: 01 October 2015
• Publisher Imprint: One
• Width: 135 mm

The Fishermen is a remarkable feat of storytelling that announces Obioma as a powerful voice in contemporary African literature. This novel deserves its place on your bookshelf, ready to transport you to the heart of Nigeria and into the lives of these unforgettable brothers.