Wole Talabi

Ghostroots, ’Pemi Aguda (W.W. Norton & Company 978-1-324-06585-2, $26.99, 224pp, hc) May 2024.

Ghostroots, ’Pemi Aguda’s spectacular de­but collection, is an instant classic. These 12 stories feature hauntings, reincarna­tions, invisible markets, dancing masquerades, shapeshifting houses, miracles, and magical transformations. Even the stories that aren’t overtly speculative possess a speculative, surreal sensibil­ity. But regardless of the degree of imaginative calisthenics employed, the roots of every narrative in this collection ...Read More

In the Shadow of the Fall, Tobi Ogundiran (Tordotcom 978-1-25090-796-7, $20.99, 160pp, hc). July 2024.

Less than a year ago, Tobi Ogundiran pre­sented us with Jackal, Jackal, a delightful selection of dark tales accessibly infused with legends and folklore. One of those stories was ‘‘Guardian of the Gods’’ (first published in FIYAH), which tells the story of Ashâke, an acolyte who can’t hear the gods speak. I reviewed it ...Read More

More Perfect, Temi Oh (Simon and Schuster UK 978-1471171284, £16.99, 592pp, hc) May 2023. (Saga Press 978-1-98214-283-4, $19.99, 592pp, tp). August 2023.

More Perfect is described as ‘‘a reimag­ining of the Greek myth of Eurydice and Orpheus.’’ This is true, given its plot, structure, numerous references, and the name of one of the main protagonists (Or­pheus). I think it also references the Yoruba legend of Queen Moremi, who ...Read More