Becoming Abigail

Description

Tough, spirited and fiercely independent, Abigail is brought as a teenager to London from Nigeria by relatives who attempt to force her into prostitution. She flees, struggling to find herself in the shadow of a strong but dead mother. In spare yet haunting and lyrical prose reminiscent of Marguerite Duras, Abani brings to life a young woman who lives with a strength and inner light that are inspiring. Compelling and gorgeously written, this is a coming-of-age novel like no other.' - Cristina Garcia, author of Dreaming in Cuban'

Chris Abani is a poet and novelist. His most recent novel, Graceland, won the 2005 PEN/Hemingway Prize, a Silver Medal in the California Book Awards and was a finalist for several other prizes, including the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. His other prizes include a PEN Freedom to Write Award, a Prince Claus Award and a Lannan Literary Fellowship.

"Abani's voice brings perspective to every moment, turning pain into a beautiful painterly meditation on loss and aloneness" - Aimee Bender, author of The Girl in the Flammable Skirt "Compelling and gorgeously written, this is a coming-of-age novel like no other. Chris Abani explores the depths of loss and exploitation with what can only be described as a knowing tenderness. An extraordinary, necessary book." - Cristina Garcia, author of Dreaming in Cuban "Abani's empathy for Abigail's torn life is matched only by his honesty in portraying it. Nothing at all is held back. A harrowing piece of work." - Peter Orner, author of Esther Stories"