An Orchestra of Minorities by Chigozie Obioma📖

Summary of An Orchestra of Minorities

Nonso is a poor chicken farmer in Nigeria who falls in love with Ndali, a trainee pharmacist. When Ndali’s family rejects him as son-in-law due to his lack of education, Nonso sells his ancestral belongings to study at a university in Northern Cyprus. However, upon arrival, he discovers that the university position is a scam, leaving him stranded in Cyprus, far from his beloved Ndali.

Reasons to read An Orchestra of Minorities

“An Orchestra of Minorities” is a 21st century retelling of the Odyssey, with Nonso as a tragicomic antihero. The novel explores themes such as the migrant experience of Africans in Europe, class divisions, dignity, and the pursuit of love. There is a magical touch to the novel, as it is told by Nonso’s ‘chi’, a Nigerian guardian spirit. “An Orchestra of Minorities” is a colourful and original novel, blending African and European traditions, and was shortlisted for the 2019 Man Booker Prize.

Setting: Cyprus & Nigeria

Novel set in Cyprus and Nigeria (Umuahia). The novel’s Cypriot scenes are likely set in or around Nicosia — the author himself studied at Cyprus International University in North Nicosia.

Original title: An Orchestra of Minorities

Year of publication: 2019

Nr of pages: 528