An orchestra of minorities

A heart-breaking story about a Nigerian poultry farmer who sacrifices everything to win the woman he loves, by Man Booker Finalist Chigozie Obioma. Set on the outskirts of Umuahia, Nigeria, and narrated by a chi, or guardian spirit, the narrative follows Chinonso, a young poultry farmer whose life changes when he sees a woman attempting to jump from a highway bridge. Horrified, he throws two of his prized chickens into the water below to express the gravity of her actions. This moment bonds him with Ndali, and they fall in love. However, Ndali's wealthy family disapproves of their union due to Chinonso's lack of education. Determined to win her over, he sells most of his possessions to attend college in Cyprus. Upon arrival, he discovers there is no place for him at the school and realizes he has been deceived by the young Nigerian who arranged everything. Now penniless and homeless, Chinonso feels increasingly distant from his dreams, Ndali, and his farm. Spanning continents and cosmic spaces, the story is a contemporary twist on Homer's Odyssey, written in the mythic style of the Igbo literary tradition, weaving a heart-wrenching epic about destiny and determination.