The Middle Daughter is a modern, feminist reimagining of the myth of Hades and Persephone that asks: what does a powerful woman look like? It's a heart-breaking and compelling story of the binds of tradition, the damage they can cause, and the courage it takes to break the silence. Exploring themes of sisterhood, the cultural stigma around sexual assault, baby factories and female independence.
In this event, Chika Unigwe will be discussing her work with Nour Khairi, a Sudanese poet and journalist. Afterwards, we will be taking audience questions and holding a book signing.
The event is one of four events taking place on Saturday 8th July - the best way to soak up the festival vibes is by coming along to all of them! Get tickets here.
About the Speakers
Chika Unigwe is Professor of Creative Writing at Georgia College and the author of several celebrated works of fiction including On Black Sisters’ Street, which won the NLNG Prize for Literature worth $100,000, and most recently the short story collection Better Never Than Late (2019).
Nour Khairi is a Sudanese poet, producer, and journalist interested in the possibilities of Afrofuturism, science, data and underrepresented communities. Emerge(ncy) is their poetry collection (2020). They hold an MA in Philosophy from Bristol University.
Praise for The Middle Daughter
‘An emotionally charged exploration of the ways in which a woman may fall victim to conventions designed to ensnare her. Chika Unigwe is a writer of great conviction and superior insight . . . Nani’s story drew me in from the start and pulled me under right up until the end’-- AMINATTA FORNA
‘Unigwe’s modern retelling of the myth of Hades and Persephone is pitch perfect - it is a meditation on the need we all share for belonging, and family, and love; a commentary on the journey we must all take in search of freedom’ -- HELON HABILA
‘Powerful...Unigwe’s textured imagery and rich, lyrical prose make this a welcome addition to Nigerian feminist literature.’ -- Publisher’s Weekly
Africa Writes Festival - Exeter 2023
Africa Writes is the UK’s leading platform celebrating the best contemporary African writing and is part of Exeter’s Unesco City of Literature programme. The events this year will include performances, book launches and workshops and are hosted in collaboration with independent bookshop Bookbag and creative hub Roots Resistance.