The Comfort of Distant Stars
I. O. Echeruo
Available as Hardback, eBook
An eclectic coming-of-age debut suffusing physics, wicked humour, existential longing and Igbo cosmology – from a masterful new literary voice
A FINANCIAL TIMES BEST NEW DEBUT
‘Echeruo’s dazzling bildungsroman throws out ideas like firecrackers… It’s quite a ride’ Financial Times
‘Echeruo proves a hypnotic, mind-bending talent in this extraordinary novel’ AFUA HIRSCH
‘A breathtaking meditation on time and memory’ STEPHEN BUORO
Ezeani is no ordinary child. He sees things others don’t.
Despite the burden of these visions, his precocious nature blossoms into genius and Ezeani grows up to be a gifted mathematician and physicist. When he leaves Nigeria and his adoring family behind to study at Cornell in the US, he remains haunted by his most persistent vision, Anyanwu, the Sun God. While Ezeani is adjusting to his new life in America, Anyanwu’s presence takes on an increasingly sinister and malevolent form – and chaos reigns. It’s enough to make anyone lose their grip on reality.
The Comfort of Distant Stars is a bold coming-of-age tale blending physics, philosophy and Igbo cosmology, examining how we understand our place in the universe. It ponders the big questions we all ask ourselves about the nature of time and of being – ultimately revealing the startling vulnerability of the human mind.
“Echeruo’s dazzling bildungsroman throws out ideas like firecrackers… It’s quite a ride”
financial Times
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“Echeruo proves a hypnotic, mind-bending talent in this extraordinary novel. One of the most exciting new voices I have had the pleasure to read”
Afua Hirsch
“This book is an equation of life, time and magic observed from a distant star”
Nick Makoha
“A gripping novel, beautifully written and closely observed, narrated by a child prodigy turned great physicist. The juxtaposition of the ideas of modern physics, Igbo cosmology and personal relationships is nothing short of brilliant”
M.g. Vassanji
“Part coming of age, part reflection on the nature of time, The Comfort of Distant Stars is an artful blend of physics, philosophy and polytheistic cosmology. A physicist and a sun god together is a perfect metaphor for the African world view, and Ezeani’s experiences in the West mirror those of us all. I love the richness and complexity of this book … All the human moments struck a chord”
Tade Thompson
I. O. Echeruo
I.O. Echeruo’s debut story collection, Expert in All Styles, was published by Nigerian publisher Farafina and his short fiction has appeared in Transition and Eclectica magazines. He spends his time between Lagos, Nigeria and Accra, Ghana.