Narrative Landscape Press has announced the acquisition of two highly acclaimed novels by Nigerian author A. Igoni Barrett: Blackass and its sequel, Whyteface. Known for his sharp wit and incisive commentary on identity, race and society, Barrett has been hailed as one of Africa’s most innovative voices.
Born in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, in 1979, Barrett has carved a niche for himself in contemporary literature. A winner of the 2005 BBC World Service short story competition and a recipient of the Chinua Achebe Center Fellowship, Barrett’s work has consistently pushed boundaries.
His 2013 short story collection, Love Is Power, or Something like That, garnered critical acclaim, and in 2014, he was named to the Africa39 list, which highlights sub-Saharan African writers under 40 with the potential to shape the future of African literature.
Blackass, Barrett’s debut novel, is a daring satire that follows Furo Wariboko, a Lagos native who wakes up one morning to find he has transformed into a white man—except for his “robustly black” backside. The novel explores themes of identity, privilege and societal expectations with biting humour and unflinching honesty. Its sequel, Whyteface, picks up years later, as Furo, now living as Frank Whyte, embarks on a journey to Europe, where he confronts the complexities of his new identity in a foreign land.
“We are thrilled to welcome A. Igoni Barrett to the Narrative Landscape Press family,” said a statement by the publisher. “His work is not only thought-provoking but also deeply entertaining and we believe it will resonate with readers worldwide.”
With these acquisitions, Narrative Landscape Press continues its commitment to amplifying diverse voices and stories that challenge and inspire. Readers can look forward to diving into Barrett’s imaginative and provocative worlds when the novels are re-released under the new imprint.
