And Then He Sang a Lullaby

Nigerian writer Ani's auspicious debut chronicles the hope and pain of two queer students as they embark on a forbidden relationship at the University of Nigeria in Nsukka. August has always struggled to live up to his “venerable” name, feeling “he was unworthy of anything but failure.” After August meets Segun at a cybercafé, he has frequent thoughts about the other man and revisits the café to see him again. But with homosexuality being illegal, August tells Segun, “I don’t know how to live this life.” Segun, in contrast, refuses to be ashamed of who he is. He’s also had his share of difficulties, having dealt with an abusive relationship and bullying from roommates. Then, after August and Segun split up, Segun is attacked. The incident prompts August to give up his self-loathing, acknowledge his sexuality, and redouble his efforts to be with Segun. In emotionally fraught scenes, Ani lays bare the characters’ fragile states, with August grappling with his fear and excitement after a kiss or Segun processing his anger over past abuses. This timely and striking love story resonates with authenticity. Agent: Emma Shercliff, Laxfield Literary Assoc. (June)