Narrative Landscape Press has revealed the cover of “Whyteface” by Nigerian author Igoni Barrett, ahead of the release of the sequel to his debut novel 11 years after its first appearance.
“Whyteface” continues the story of Furo Wariboko, who woke one morning in Lagos to find he had turned into a white man, apart from his black backside. Now living in Abuja under the name Frank Whyte with a steady job and comfortable home, he embarks on his first journey outside Nigeria, travelling to Amsterdam, Oslo and Milan.
Abroad, Frank discovers that his appearance no longer draws attention. He realises he feels most Nigerian when away from home and begins to question what it would mean to be treated simply as human. The novel examines European attitudes towards the global south, including both suspicion and forms of charity.
Blackass, the earlier book, which also gets a new cover, follows the same character as he navigates life after the sudden change, securing work, adopting a new identity and confronting the expectations that accompany appearance in contemporary Nigeria. The narrative addresses race, social media and the values society assigns on the basis of looks.
Barrett’s debut was previously described by writer Teju Cole as the work of a major talent. Narrative Landscape Press, an independent Nigerian firm publishing fiction, non-fiction, memoirs and children’s books, is preparing the new titles for release.
•Featured image: Igoni Barrett/Hurston/Wright Foundation