Necessary Fiction
 Book cover | |
| Author | Eloghosa Osunde |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Riverhead Books (US) Fourth Estate (UK) Masobe Books (Nigeria) |
| Publication date | 22 July 2025 |
| Publication place | Nigeria |
| Pages | 320 |
| ISBN | 9780593851203 |
| Preceded by | Vagabonds! |
Necessary Fiction is a 2025 novel by Nigerian writer Eloghosa Osunde. Published by Riverhead Books in the US, Fourth Estate in the UK, and Masobe Books in Nigeria, it is the Osunde's second novel following Vagabonds! (2022).[1][2]
Background
Osunde has stated that the novel emerged from questions concerning freedom, belonging, family, and self-creation. The author described the work as an attempt to answer "heavy questions" carried for many years and noted that the novel was influenced by ideas first explored in the short story Good Boy.[3][4][5]
The novel centers on the dynamics and perspectives of numerous characters, some including Ziz, May, Maro, Akin, Yemisi, and Awele.[6] Written in five parts, the settings range from Lagos, Abuja, and the United States in the past and future.[4]
Audiobook
The audiobook for this novel consists of thirteen narrators from across seven cities and three continents, and is praised for its collaboration, diversity, and impact to the audiobook industry by more queer and African voices to popularity. The thirteen voices are provided by Nigerian film director Akin Omotoso, actress and singer A'rese Emokpae, actress Uzoamaka Power, journalist Arit Okpo, Atta Otigba, Jerry Iwu, Tayla Kovacevic-Ebong, Tumi Olufawo, Ifeyinwa Unachukwu, David Ijiti, Leo Anifowose, and Osunde themself.[7][8]
Reception
Kirkus Reviews described it as "a panoramic look at queer life in Nigeria" and praised its treatment of found family and community.[9]
Reviewing the novel for The Big Issue, Annie Hayter characterized it as "a radical, gorgeous queer novel" and praised its depiction of interconnected lives in modern Lagos.[10] The New Yorker described the work as a polyphonic novel about queer young people creating community and carving out space for themselves in an often unwelcoming environment.[11] The Atlantic lauded the novel for its focus on unique family dynamics.[12]
References
- ↑ "Necessary Fiction". Literary Hub. 21 July 2025. Retrieved 7 June 2026.
- ↑ Ezeifedi, Erica (7 July 2025). "Must-Read Summer Books, BIPOC Edition". Book Riot. Retrieved 7 June 2026.
- ↑ "Eloghosa Osunde Says Upcoming Novel Necessary Fiction 'Made Me Brave'", People.com, retrieved 5 June 2026
- 1 2 C.J, Nelson (13 August 2025). "In 'Necessary Fiction,' Eloghosa Osunde Examines What It Means to Be Queer and Free in Nigeria". okayafrica. Retrieved 7 June 2026.
- ↑ Kan, Toni (15 December 2024). "Eloghosa Osunde unveils 'Necessary Fiction'". The Lagos Review. Retrieved 7 June 2026.
- ↑ Ajayi, Angela (17 July 2025). "Queer artists spin their tales of survival in an immersive second novel by Nigerian writer Eloghosa Osunde". Archived from the original on 5 June 2026. Retrieved 7 June 2026.
- ↑ Uwisike, Blessing (28 August 2025). "13 Voices, 3 Continents, One Audiobook: Osunde's Necessary Fiction Is a Global Triumph". Brittle Paper. Retrieved 7 June 2026.
- ↑ "Necessary Fiction - Audiobook". Kirkus Reviews. 22 July 2025.
- ↑ Osunde, Eloghosa (22 July 2025). "NECESSARY FICTION". Kirkus Reviews. Retrieved 5 June 2026.
- ↑ Columnist, Guest (2 September 2025). "Necessary Fiction by Eloghosa Osunde review – a radical, gorgeous queer novel". The Big Issue. Retrieved 5 June 2026.
- ↑ "Briefly Noted Book Reviews". The New Yorker. 4 August 2025. Retrieved 5 June 2026.
- ↑ Folarin, Tope (29 July 2025). "A Novelist's Cure for the 'Loneliness Epidemic'". The Atlantic. Retrieved 7 June 2026.