The Fishermen
The Fishermen
Book Brief
Beta297
Novel • Fiction
Nigeria • 1990s
2015
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Fishermen by Chigozie Obioma tells the story of four brothers in a Nigerian town whose lives are disrupted after a prophecy from a local madman. The novel explores themes of family, fate, and the socio-political landscape of Nigeria in the 1990s.
Reviews & Readership
24,223 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Chigozie Obioma’s The Fishermen is celebrated for its evocative prose and deep exploration of fraternal bonds against the backdrop of Nigerian culture and politics. Critics praise its rich storytelling and character development, although some note a slow narrative pace. Overall, the novel offers a profound and compelling read.
Who Should Read The Fishermen?
Fans of rich, lyrical storytelling and complex family dynamics will enjoy Chigozie Obioma's The Fishermen. Readers who appreciate Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart or Gabriel García Márquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude will find its blend of Nigerian culture, tragedy, and folklore particularly compelling.
24,223 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Fishermen by Chigozie Obioma is notable for being shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize in 2015, marking it as one of the most acclaimed debuts from a Nigerian author in recent years.
Chigozie Obioma's writing style in The Fishermen has been compared to classic African literature, drawing parallels with authors such as Chinua Achebe for its rich storytelling and cultural insights.
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The novel was inspired by Obioma's own childhood experiences in Nigeria, incorporating elements of local folklore and mythology to weave its narrative.
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297
Novel • Fiction
Nigeria • 1990s
2015
Adult
18+ years
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