Born on a Tuesday

By Elnathan John

From one of Nigeria's finest contemporary literary talents comes Elnathan John's highly awaited debut novel. Told through the irresistible voice of a young boy, Dantala, Born on a Tuesday is a masterful and haunting coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of extremist politi and religion in Northern Nigeria. Dantala is a naive but bright Quranic student, who falls in with a gang of street boys, surviving on a regime of petty crime and violence. After being paid to set fire to the local headquarters of an opposition party, Dantala is forced to run for his life. Still reeling from the trauma of events, he stumbles into a Salafi mosque where he quickly becomes the favoured apprentice of the Sheikh and finds stability and friendship. From his place of refuge, Dantala confronts the hurdles of adolescence, first love and the splintering of family life - as his mother becomes increasingly unstable in the wake of a family tragedy and his brothers join a rival religious sect. But as political and religious tensions mount, he is torn between loyalty to his benefactor, Sheikh Jamal, and adherence to the Sheikh's charismatic advisor, Malam Abdul-Nur. When bloodshed erupts around him, Dantala is tested to his limits. In this raw, authentic and deceptively simple novel, Elnathan John explores boyhood in the wake of extremism and fundamentalism. Born on a Tuesday delves behind the scenes of the media's portrayal of Boko Haram bringing us a powerful and intensely personal picture of life in Northern Nigeria today. "Anyone seeking to peer beyond the media's portrayals of Boko Haram must read this book, not because it offers a hopeful account but because it offers a human one." Taiye Selasi, author of Ghana Must Go.

• Language: English
• Publisher: CASSAVA REPUBLIC
• Release date: Apr 1, 2016
• ISBN: 9781911115038

Elnathan John

Elnathan John is a Nigerian lawyer who quit his job in 2012 to write fulltime. In 2013, he was shortlisted for the Caine Prize for African Writing for his story "Bayan Layi" and again in 2015 for his story "Flying." His first novel is Born on a Tuesday, set in northern Nigeria. He lives in Abuja.

Reviews for Born on a Tuesday

[SithabileKgosidintsi · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Things do not end well for the main character and narrator Dantala or Ahmed despite the optimism after he finally settles in Sokoto this is a beautifully narrated story of love and loss, of growing up and navigating poverty violence and religious doctrines in Northern Nigeria. This novel really puts into context the religious wars in Nigeria but particularly the Shiite Sunna differences and possibly the early formation of Boko Haram and possibly some of the inequalities that may have fueled it. It’s a worthwhile and educational read. I highly recommend it.

[teey alawie · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

well written. page-turner. I really enjoyed reading this book and learning about the hausa and muslim culture.

[William Pepple · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Good book, i got very emotional while reading iy. It's a good read.

[Ace Scent · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very touching story with good description. Enjoyed every part of it.

[Chinenye · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

O my!!! I can not find words to describe this book. This is such a beautiful story! Strong characters, especially Dantala.

[eroms · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I found it to be a very riveting story. It humanized the narratives in the media about almajiris, religious sects and religion-based violence. I enjoyed reading this book.