Quote by Akwaeke Emezi: “We contain multitudes, and sometimes these multitudes conflict.”

This quote beautifully illustrates the complex nature of human identity, suggesting we are made up of many different parts, feelings, and selves. It acknowledges that these inner aspects can often be at odds with each other, creating internal struggles.

In a period of increasing awareness around mental health, gender identity, and complex selfhood, this novel explored dissociative identity disorder through an Igbo spiritual lens, resonating with conversations on multifaceted identities.

Nigerian-Tamil author whose debut novel Freshwater drew on Igbo spiritual traditions to tell the story of a person who contains multiple selves. Their work, including Pet and The Death of Vivek Oji, has won numerous awards and reshaped conversations about queerness and selfhood in African literature.