Oyinkan Braithwaite's new novel blends romance and superstition in Lagos

Oyinkan Braithwaite, born in 1988 in Lagos, Nigeria, follows up her acclaimed debut "Ma sœur, serial killeuse" (2019) with a new novel "Filles maudites" (translated by Christine Barbaste, published by La croisée). The debut was a global success, translated into 34 languages, shortlisted for the Booker Prize and Women's Prize, and won Crime Book of the Year; a film adaptation is in development. "Filles maudites" mixes fantasy and romance, centering on a Lagos family that has been cursed for generations, particularly affecting its women. Protagonist Eniiyi, a young Lagosian, fears she is the reincarnation of her aunt Monife, who was buried on the day of Eniiyi's birth. Her life is haunted by eerie similarities to the deceased, whose ghost lingers in family conversations. When Eniiyi meets a potential love interest, she must confront her fears, the scrutiny of her elders, and the secrets of a supposedly cursed lineage. The novel explores family mystery, love, and superstition against the vibrant backdrop of Lagos, marking Braithwaite's return as "the queen of African suspense."