We are thrilled to announce that our books editor and Sundays @… curator Bridgett M. Davis will have her second novel, Into The Go-Slow published on Tuesday, September 9 via Feminist Press. Her debut novel was 2004’s Shifting Through Neutral. Here’s a quick synopsis:
In 1987 Detroit, twenty-one-year-old Angie passes time working in a mall and watching sitcoms with her mom. But beneath the surface, she is consumed by thoughts of her sister’s death years earlier in Nigeria. Ella had introduced Angie to Black Power and a vision of returning to Africa. On impulse, Angie travels to Lagos and begins to retrace Ella’s steps. Against a backdrop of the city’s infamous go-slow—traffic as wild and unpredictable as a Fela lyric—she uncovers some harsh truths. For anyone who has wished to be of a different era, this book captures the pain of living vicariously and the exhilaration of finding yourself.
In addition to the advanced praise by notable authors such as Chris Abani, Tayari Jones (Silver Sparrow) and Ayana Mathis (The Twelve Tribes of Hattie), early reviews are already in from Kirkus and Booklist (out in September).
Africa’s hot these days. That’s reflected in such things as a renewed interest in Fela to the higher profile of contemporary African artists–particularly musicians and authors–here in the States. And, when it comes to books, what you usually see is an African perspective on America (think Chris Abani, Taiye Selasi or Chimamanda Adiche). What’s refreshing with Davis’s novel, is that it gives an African-American perspective on Africa, much of which is based on time she spent in Nigeria.
Again, the book isn’t available until September 9. However, you can pre-order from Feminist Press, Powell’s, IndieBound, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or your local bookstore. Pre-orders matter because they’re a vote of confidence for the book.
Stay tuned for updates on Bridgett’s readings and other speaking engagements around the country.
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