The Concubine — Elechi Amadi

The Concubine, Elechi Amadi’s most celebrated work of fiction, paints a picture of pre-colonial life in rural Eastern Nigeria and explores the boundary between myth and reality. Ihuoma is a woman of great beauty and dignity, beloved in a village that remains untouched by colonialism. By all accounts, she should be happy and in love.

Yet she faces misfortune after misfortune when a mysterious force makes any suitor that she falls in love with meet an inexplicable – and unpleasant – end... Brimming with lyrical prose, jealous gods, and masterful suspense, The Concubine is a tale about Igbo culture and beliefs. An unforgettable story full of beauty and tragedy.

'One of the founding generation of African novelists.' - Guardian

'A soldier and poet, captive of conscience, human solidarity and justice.' - Wole Soyinka

'An outstanding work of pure fiction.' - Eldred Jones