Necessary Fiction: A Communion of Truths and Transformations
From the moment I stumbled upon Eloghosa Osunde’s Necessary Fiction, I felt an urgent pull. It wasn’t just the intriguing title or the vibrant cover—it was the promise of a narrative that dared to delve into the nuances of identity, community, and the complexities of truth in contemporary Nigeria. This book is not just a collection of stories; it’s a heartfelt invitation to listen deeply, absorb experiences, and ultimately transform our understanding of queerness and concealment in a world often hostile to vulnerability.
At its core, Necessary Fiction intertwines the lives of cross-generational queer individuals as they navigate the treacherous terrains of love, grief, and identity in a society that demands both performance and restraint. Through characters like Ziz—the audacious entrepreneur who embodies both the absurd and the brilliant—I found myself reflecting on the hustle of existence, not just for survival, but for authenticity. Ziz’s entrepreneurial spirit is a powerful satire, painting the blurred line between ambition and absurdity. And then there’s Maro, whose grief over his father’s legacy tenderly exposes the generational divide—a chasm that resonates on numerous levels in this lush narrative.
Osunde’s prose is a beautiful tapestry, filled with vibrant dialects and lyrical musings that find poetry in silence. One line struck me deeply: “Silence is a blessing… silence is complete, silence is true, silence is prayer.” This sentiment resonates throughout the pages, inviting readers to ponder the weight of unspoken truths juxtaposed against the necessity of honest revelations. The structure of the novel, woven with the voices of characters like Akele, Aunty G, and the young lovers Awele and Yesimi, creates a community—an intimate communion where pain and joy intermingle.
What truly captivated me, however, was how Osunde presents the dichotomy of necessary lies and liberating truths. As one character poignantly puts it, “Before we met each other, we all had lies we needed to tell ourselves and others if we were going to live well.” This conflict between concealed identities and revealed selves is felt throughout the narrative, urging us to reflect on our own necessary fictions. Generational trauma, internalized shame, and the catharsis of acceptance weave a poignant narrative, illustrating how love—despite its complexities—remains an unwavering force.
The pacing of Necessary Fiction is deliberately contemplative, urging us to engage at a deeper level. I relished the moments of quiet reflection juxtaposed against the vibrancy of the characters’ lived experiences. The careful construction of each vignette creates a mosaic of emotions that linger in your heart long after turning the final page.
In sum, I believe Necessary Fiction will resonate profoundly with readers who appreciate raw, honest explorations of identity and community. If you’re drawn to narratives that embrace the complexities of love and grief, and if you, too, seek a communion of shared truths, this book will undoubtedly leave you transformed. It’s a feast of language and emotion, where every story is as nourishing as the last. Thank you, @4thEstate and Matt, for this ARC; it has been a deeply enriching experience, one I carry with me like a warm embrace of understanding.
Whether you’re familiar with the struggles of navigating queer identity or simply seeking a beautifully crafted narrative, Necessary Fiction offers both solace and challenge—a reminder that in a world where silence often reigns, our voices can also rise in love and truth.
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