The Famished Road by Ben Okri
The novel centers around the life of an abiku, a spirit child, who resides in the bustling city of Lagos. Despite numerous attempts to return to the spiritual world, the boy is tethered to the physical realm through the love of his mother. As he navigates through the political unrest and poverty of post-colonial Nigeria, he experiences a series of surreal and mystical encounters, all while wrestling with the pull of the spirit world. The narrative is a blend of reality and the supernatural, providing a unique perspective on the struggles and complexities of human life.
The 1319th greatest book of all time
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This book is on the following lists:
- 25 acclaimed international writers choose 25 of the best books from the last 25 years (Wasafiri Magazine)
- Man Booker Prize (Man Booker Prize)
- The Graphic Canon (Book)
- Africa's 100 Best Books of the 20th Century (Zimbabwe International Book Fair)