Description

‘Chukwuebuka Ibeh’s writing has a certain delicacy to it, so wonderfully observant, and so beautiful’ Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

‘A sublime coming-of-age tale… an extraordinarily composed and deeply felt debut’ Guardian

When Obiefuna’s father witnesses an intimate moment between his teenage son and the family’s apprentice, newly arrived from the nearby village, he banishes Obiefuna to a Christian boarding school marked by strict hierarchy and routine, devastating violence. Utterly alienated from the people he loves, Obiefuna begins a journey of self-discovery and blossoming desire, while his mother Uzoamaka grapples to hold onto her favourite son, her truest friend.

Interweaving the perspectives of Obiefuna and his mother Uzoamaka, as they reach towards a future that will hold them both, BLESSINGS is an elegant and exquisitely moving story of love and loneliness. Asking how we can live freely when politics reaches into our hearts and lives, as well as deep into our consciousness, it is a stunning, searing debut.

‘A moving debut about love and loneliness’ Sunday Times

‘Marks the arrival of Chukwuebuka Ibeh as a significant new moral, literary talent’ The i

‘Wonderful, vivid’ Patrick Gale

‘A magnificent debut’ Daily Telegraph

SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2024 WILBUR SMITH ADVENTURE WRITING PRIZE

Publisher Review

A tender, yet powerful story, poetic and wise. Ibeh draws such beautiful characters, and through their eyes, teaches us that love cannot be beaten or threatened from the human heart. From the first chapter, this book won't let you go. -- AJ West Wow - what a debut! I was left feeling heartbroken yet hopeful. Chukwuebuka Ibeh is a beautiful writer. -- Taylor-Dior Rumble, author of THE SITUATIONSHIP Blessings is as raw and heart-wrenching as it is beautiful and delicate. A masterfully executed story about love, faith and sexuality that clenches your heart and doesn't let go until the very last page. Ibeh is a once in a lifetime talent! -- Elvin James Mensah A moving debut about love and loneliness -- Sunday Times As engaging as doorstoppers can be, there is an unparalleled pleasure in something short and searing. Chukwuebuka Ibeh's debut is set in modern-day Nigeria, where the country's criminalisation of same-sex marriage has created a hostile atmosphere for the LGBTQ+ population. After an intimate moment with the family apprentice, Obiefuna is sent to a Christian boarding school by his father. So begins a process of self-discovery. Blessings is told from Obiefuna and his mother's perspective, a dynamic which has plenty of potential for the profound. * Esquire, The Biggest Books Landing on Your Reading List in 2024 * Wonderful, vivid -- Patrick Gale Chukwuebuka Ibeh's writing has a certain delicacy to it, so wonderfully observant, and so beautiful -- Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie