New York, My Village

Ekong Udousoro, a Nigerian editor, travels to New York City with a fellowship to edit an anthology about the Biafran War's impact on minority tribes. He accepts a position at a prestigious publishing house in Manhattan while working to complete this important collection. In his new role, Ekong encounters the complexities of American publishing, racial dynamics, and corporate culture. His experiences in New York parallel the tribal tensions he left behind in Nigeria, as he faces bedbugs in his apartment and microaggressions in his workplace. Through Ekong's observations of New York City life, questions arise about belonging, privilege, and the power structures that shape both literature and society. The novel examines the ways in which history, identity, and trauma intersect across continents and cultures. The narrative confronts issues of colonialism and its modern manifestations, exploring how the publishing industry itself can perpetuate or challenge existing power dynamics. Through humor and stark observation, the book raises questions about who gets to tell whose stories and the true meaning of community.

Readers found the book challenging to follow due to its dense writing style and frequent digressions. Many noted the effective portrayal of racism and microaggressions in the publishing industry, with several highlighting the authenticity of protagonist Ekong's experiences as an African in New York. Readers appreciated: - The depth of Nigerian cultural details and food descriptions - The nuanced examination of colonialism's impacts - Dark humor throughout the narrative Common criticisms: - Meandering plot structure - Too many characters introduced without development - Long passages about publishing industry minutiae - Abrupt ending that left storylines unresolved Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (500+ ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (100+ ratings) Multiple reviewers mentioned struggling to finish the book despite connecting with its themes. As one Goodreads reviewer noted: "Important message but gets lost in the overcomplicated delivery. Could have been 200 pages shorter."

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🗽 Author Uwem Akpan spent time as a writer-in-residence at Fordham University in New York City, which helped inform his portrayal of Manhattan life in the novel. 📚 The protagonist, Ekong Udousoro, is a Nigerian editor working on an anthology about the Biafran War, a devastating civil conflict that killed millions between 1967-1970. 🏢 The novel explores the often-hidden reality of bedbugs in New York City's upscale neighborhoods and publishing houses, serving as both a literal problem and a metaphor for deeper societal issues. 🌍 Uwem Akpan is a Jesuit priest from Nigeria who previously wrote "Say You're One of Them," which became an Oprah's Book Club selection in 2009. 🏆 "New York, My Village" received the 2021 Editor's Choice recognition from The New York Times and was named one of the Notable Books of 2021 by The New York Times Book Review.