What made the reading even more engaging was her idea to invite members of the audience to continue where she paused, passing the narrative baton around the room. This turned the reading into something immersive and collective…
…In Nana Sule’s imaginative world of djinns, angels, and the complexity of human interaction… most people aren’t wholly good or bad, and many of us live in the grey areas between
Lead Photo: The author, Nana Sule with the moderator, AbdulKareem BabaAminu
ON Saturday, 14th July, I had the pleasure of attending a book reading at the Spine & Label Bookshop in Abuja, featuring Nana Sule’s debut novel, Not So Terrible People— a book that has already sold out in other parts of Nigeria.
I arrived early and was warmly received by the host of the event, Mr. AbdulKareem BabaAminu, writer, literary activist, and a prominent name in the Abuja arts community. The bookshop had a mellow, welcoming atmosphere, with a few people already seated and waiting for action to begin. It was my first time attending a book reading, and I had the good fortune to sit in the front row, very close to the author and the host, which made the entire experience feel direct and personal.
The event opened with the host asking Nana Sule several questions about the book. I should say, Nana is an engaging interviewee, and she has a voice that naturally draws you in. She seemed genuinely gleeful, and later, when I had the chance to speak with her directly, I was touched by her warm and open energy.
After the initial discussion, Nana read from the first chapter and other interesting passages. What made the reading even more engaging was her idea to invite members of the audience to continue where she paused, passing the narrative baton around the room. This turned the reading into something immersive and collective, and I found myself pulled deeply into Nana Sule’s imaginative world of djinns, angels, and the complexity of human interaction. All in all, it was a rich and pleasant reading.
Following the reading, there was a Q&A session where the audience asked thoughtful questions. Nana answered every one of them with clarity and grace. One particularly interesting question came from Abdulrasaq Saleem, a writer, arts enthusiast, and friend of Nana in the literary community. He mentioned he was experimenting with quantum entanglement as a source of inspiration and asked whether scientific research had influenced her storytelling. Nana’s answer was insightful: she explained that while no formal science shaped her writing, her inspiration came from Ebira cosmology and culture, an element that added a unique and authentic depth to her stories. As someone who has always wanted to see fantasy fiction rooted in lesser-known Nigerian cultures, I found this especially refreshing.
The inspiration behind the book’s title, Not So Terrible People, also stayed with me. Nana explained that most people aren’t wholly good or bad, and many of us live in the grey areas between. That nuanced view of humanity became the heart of her book.
After the Q&A, a book signing session followed. People queued to get their copies signed by the author and to take pictures with her. Meanwhile, I took the opportunity to walk around, speak to some attendees, and conduct a few interviews, even though it was my first time interviewing people at an event like this. Everyone I spoke to held the book and Nana in high regard, and the overall mood was light, joyful, and deeply connected by a shared love for literature and art.
Beyond Nana Sule and the host, Abdulkareem Baba Aminu, there were other notable figures present, which added to the event’s warmth and richness. With the rising popularity of Not So Terrible People, I asked Nana how she would manage expectations for her future work. She admitted she felt scared by the pressure but based on what she’s already achieved, I’m confident her next books will be just as remarkable, if not better. (No pressure, Nana)
All in all, it was a beautiful afternoon: a beautiful event, at a beautiful space, with beautiful people. The atmosphere stayed pleasant throughout, and Nana herself seemed to glow from start to finish. I truly enjoyed meeting her, and I look forward eagerly to what she writes next.
With the moderator/host, BabaAminu, after the event
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