The Inspiration of Egg-Larva-Pupa-Woman by Oga Ogbata

Egg-Larva-Pupa-Woman: The Inspiration

I’ve always wanted to be a writer of books. I think it’s because I grew up reading voraciously and because books gave me so much pleasure, I became convinced that I owed the world some measure of reciprocation. For me writing is more than therapy, more than a hobby or career, writing means having a voice, and with that voice quieting people’s fears, rousing their conscience, challenging their thinking, hounding them out of their comfort zone...

In commemoration of Black History Month and Nigeria's Independence Day Anniversary, my debut literary novel, Egg-Larva-Pupa-Woman, uses a unique literary device to chronicle the history of Africa’s most populous, complex and controversial country - from pre-colonial times to the end of military dictatorship in 1999. However, Egg-Larva-Pupa-Woman is not just a book about history and politics. It is an intimate portrait of a woman who is stripped of everything she knows, a woman who loves her country yet feels betrayed by this country. Their lives are juxtaposed - this woman and her country - morphing like butterflies, evolving over the years. 

We live in challenging times as you know. Following deep recession, many have lost their homes and livelihood, the spring in their step also. Safety is not something to be complacent about either. In December 2009, a 23 year old Nigerian male was arrested for a botched bomb detonation aboard a U.S aircraft after being brainwashed by a terrorist network in Britain. Thankfully his concerned father had tipped off the authorities and no innocent lives were lost. However, this incident has alarmed many throughout the world – including honest, well-meaning, Nigerians who are eager to see their country turn a corner after nearly 50 years of Independence from British colonial rule. 

Egg-Larva-Pupa-Woman is the story of a woman who holds on to her dignity despite her loss and a celebration of the indomitable spirit with which she atones for her past and recreates her reality. Of recent there have not been many strong female characters in African literature and we all need those iconic, fully fleshed out, characters to inspire us as we journey through life. Central to the story is a protagonist, Nkiru, who is kind, witty, enterprising and beautiful but most of all a survivor. This determined disposition, this ability to keep on reflecting, loving and walking regardless, is what we all need now. 

For more information about Egg-Larva-Pupa-Woman, juicy chapter excerpts and BBC Radio interview go to: http://www.elpwoman.com