Jumoke Verissimo – författare

From one of Africa’s most acclaimed writers, poetry about the Nigeria-Biafra warEveryone carries a piece of the war within them: what happens when we neglect to consider each individual’s story? The Nigeria-Biafra War (1967–70) erupted when the southeastern region of Nigeria, known as Biafra, declared independence. It was a major conflict; however, this war remains largely absent from official historical accounts. While victims have passed down their experiences across generations, the official silence and the dominance of narratives from larger ethnic groups have perpetuated stereotypes that diminish the suffering of some victims. The differing narratives that are absent from history books continue to divide and polarize social groups within Nigeria and beyond. Weaving together cut-ups and redactions from personal narratives, historical accounts, and reflections on the enduring impact of war, and with raw language and searing imagery, the poems in Circumtrauma grapple with loss, resilience, and the search for healing amidst the fractures of deep-seated divisions. This collection compels readers to confront the profound and often-silenced complexities of history, the intergenerational weight of inherited suffering, and the urgent need to acknowledge the diverse experiences and perspectives of all those impacted by the tragedy of war. It is a testament to the enduring power of art to bear witness to the human condition, offering a path towards healing and reconciliation.

Prof is an ex-prisoner, activist and retired academic who resolves to live a life of darkness after his release from prison. He holes up in his apartment, pushing away friends and family, and embraces his status as an urban legend in the neighbourhood until a knock at the door shakes his existence.His visitor is Desire, an orphan and final-year student who has grown up idolising Prof, following a fateful encounter in her hometown of Maroko, Nigeria, as a child.Tentatively, the two begin to form a bond as she returns every night at 9pm to see him. However, the darkness of the room becomes a steady torment that threatens to drive Desire away for good.A Small Silence is a layered and beautiful exploration of trauma and its aftermath, and a testament to the enduring power of human connection.

Àdùké loves spending time with her grandmother in Ibadan. Grandma sings to her, shares treats from her market stall and fills every day with love and laughter.Then one day, Grandma is gone. Struggling to understand her loss, Àdùké is comforted when her aunt Yímiká shares a special family belief that helps keep Grandma's memory close. Tender and uplifting, this beautifully illustrated story explores love, grief and the lasting bonds between generations.

Aduke lives with her grandparents in Ibadan, and Grandma is her favourite person in the world. She loves listening to Grandma sing and helping herself to treats from her market stall.But one day, Aduke comes home from school and Grandma is gone. She cannot understand why Grandma is not coming back, until her aunt Yimika shares a comforting family secret.Can Aduke really see Grandma if she squints up at the moon?