Born on a Tuesday

Elnathan John is a Nigerian novelist and writer. He has twice been shortlisted for the prestigious Caine Prize for African Writing (2013 & 2015). His writing has been published in Per Contra, Evergreen Review and Chimurenga's The Chronic. One of Nigeria's most well-known contemporary satirists, he lives in Abuja, Nigeria.

'With brave, unflinching candor expressed through spare, unadorned prose, Elnathan John considers the rise of Islamic extremism in Nigeria as experienced by one young man. Anyone seeking to peer beyond the media's portrayals of Boko Haram must read this book, not because it offers a hopeful account but because it offers a human one.' - Taiye Selasi, author of Ghana Must Go; 'Elnathan John's first novel is an ambitious book that tackles modern Nigeria s extremely complex religious landscape with great insight, passion, and humour by taking us deep into the mental and emotional space of the country's most neglected.' - Uzodinma Iweala, author of Beasts of No Nation; 'Working in the tradition of Achebe, Elnathan John has penned a coming of age novel worthy of Twain. At times tragic, at times humorous, 'Born on a Tuesday' is the story of those who find the courage to transcend violence even when born to its confines.' - Elliot Ackerman, author of Green on Blue; 'I was completely pulled into Dantala's world ... How easy it is for those of us from a stable country to judge young men from other nations who are lured into following leaders simply for the promise of a full belly!' - Jamie Fiocco, Flyleaf Books, Chapel Hill, NC; 'Elnathan John's debut coming of age novel is a striking and unnervingly assured depiction of a complex and tumultuous world. John's writing is controlled and lucid, full of compassion yet fiercely unerring.' - Colin Barrett, author of Young Skins