This year, I’ve been reading a lot of African fiction so I was excited when Cassava Republic said they were hosting an event where I could meet some African writers. To say a bit about Cassava Republic, they are a publishing company whose mission is “to change the way we think about African writing”. They launched in London in April but I think they’ve been based in Nigeria for about seven years. They had some events around the time of their launch in the UK. One of the events was An Evening of New Nigerian Writing and this was organised with Dulwich Books, a bookshop in South East London. I learnt about the event on Cassava Republic’s Facebook page.
I picked up three of Cassava Republic’s new releases there and I met the authors of the books- Leye Adenle, Elnathan John and Sarah Ladipo Manyika. There was a deal where I could get three books for £25. I felt buying the books at the event saved me from having to order it online on a later date and wait for it to get delivered. I’m glad that Cassava Republic is establishing their presence in the UK as it’s a platform to showcase the works of African writers. A lady I met at the event told me that this was my first of many book events.
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| One of the books I got |
In the video, I mention the two other books I got and share a recap on the event.
One of the issues raised at the event was whether people were reading less? Do you think we, as individuals are reading less?
Lovely post. Where are your selfies with the authors though? Lol. I have attended one in Lagos and it was with the queen herself Chimamanda and she signed ” The thing around your neck”. I love African fiction and there are so many beautiful authors and books out there. Sometimes i wish everyone would just read.
Lol. I was too shy to ask for pictures lol. Next time, I shall take selfies with the authors I meet. I think more people will read over time as we discuss what we get from the books and blogs that we read.
Quite a heart touching post! Thanks for sharing this great article. I am going to have my book launch event next month at one of venues known for corporate events Chicago. Really hoping for media attention.