​​​“BEFORE THE MANGO RIPENS is one of those rare novels that seems to capture the whole world between its covers...Just turn to page one and start reading." — Paul Harding, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Tinkers

Praise for Before the Mango Ripens

"BEFORE THE MANGO RIPENS is one of those rare novels that seems to capture the whole world between its covers. Afabwaje Kurian choreographs and cross-cuts among so many elements of language and beliefs, cultures and histories, and she does so on so many scales - from the individual to the familial, the communal to the national, and to the marvelously cosmic as well – and she does all that with such clear-eyed artfulness, elegance, and seriousness, that no summary or paraphrase can approach an adequate description of its riches. Just turn to page one and start reading." ​

— Paul Harding, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of TINKERS

"BEFORE THE MANGO RIPENS offers an irresistible invitation into a deeply imagined 1970s Nigeria, one that feels so real you could walk into it. Kurian builds an intricate world and leaps effortlessly between perspectives to inhabit a wide-ranging cast of compelling characters. A miracle of a book that makes room to both question faith and restore it."

                                                                                                                                     ​— V.V. Ganeshananthan, author of  BROTHERLESS NIGHT

“Line by exquisite line, BEFORE THE MANGO RIPENS unfolds with wisdom and a masterful sense of patience, teasing out a cast of characters whose mounting confessions will have you ripping through the final pages. This is a story centered on faith, yes, and also one of the most seductive novels I've ever read." 

— ​Dawnie Walton, author of THE FINAL REVIVAL OF OPAL & NEV

"BEFORE THE MANGO RIPENS is a novel of riveting depth and scope. Lit--as in the conflagration that sets things off and never lets you go, and, yes, as in contemporary parlance meaning excellent--this book is a masterful achievement of craft and soul. This is what you call a tour de force!"

                                                                                                                                    -DK Nnuro, author of WHAT NAPOLEON COULD NOT DO

“What an absolute joy to read: vibrant, immersive, and lyrical…In this tale of the intricate intersection of faith and identity, Afabwaje Kurian is a keen and elegant observer."​

                                    — ​Claire Lombardo, New York Times bestselling author of THE MOST FUN WE EVER HAD and SAME AS IT EVER WAS

“BEFORE THE MANGO RIPENS is a beautifully rendered debut novel by a novelist who writes well beyond her years. Afabwaje Kurian's lyrical prose, original characters and uncompromising storytelling will keep you hooked from start to finish." ​

                                                                                                                    — ​Regina Porter, author of THE TRAVELERS  

"Afabwaje Kurian is a visionary writer, effortlessly tackling matters of race, class, gender, and postcolonial identity with compassion and wit. An entire world springs forth from Kurian’s singular, unforgettable characters. An immensely impressive debut: entertaining, wise, and unendingly perceptive about human nature. Read this novel right now!"

                                                                                                                                   — ​Jean Chen Ho, author of FIONA AND JANE