One day, I was casually doomscrolling through Instagram when I stumbled upon a post by Ikenna Igwe calling for ARC readers. I clicked the link and submitted my application, although I wasn’t particularly hopeful. It was my first time applying to be an advance reader, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. You can imagine my excitement when I received an email with a copy of the book. I did a little dance. Okay, perhaps more than a little.
60 Simisola Street, Somolu, Lagos tells the story of a family that moves from their two-bedroom apartment into a shared compound, what the average Nigerian would readily describe as face-me-I-face-you. The book takes us through their experiences in this new environment: the fights, the moments of peace, the little wars, the losses, and everything in between.
At the centre of the story is Emeka, a relentless teenager who is always ready to defend his family against their cantankerous neighbours. He doesn’t mind making enemies along the way; as far as he’s concerned, everyone needs to learn to keep their distance from his family. And honestly, I could understand his position. Living in a shared compound can test even the most patient person.
The title alone gives you an idea of what to expect. Yard. Face-me-I-face-you. Area. You can almost hear the noise before you turn the first page. But believe me, nothing quite prepares you for the kind of chaos waiting between those pages.
For good reason, I found myself picturing my own experiences as I read, and that made the story even more relatable. I once stayed with a friend in one of those Lagos apartments (read my story here), so I know a thing or two about the experience. In fact, among the many things I have no intention of doing again in this lifetime, living in a face-me-I-face-you apartment sits very comfortably at the top of the list. I have done my time, thank you very much.
In a hilarious yet bittersweet way, this book offers a glimpse into the everyday life of an average Nigerian family navigating the realities of shared living. It will take you through a range of emotions, sometimes making you laugh when you least expect it and, at other times, leaving you with a lump in your throat. If you’ve experienced this kind of life, there’s a good chance the story will stir up a little nostalgia. And if you haven’t? Please consider yourself privileged. I permit you.
On 6 November 2026, 60 Simisola Street, Somolu, Lagos will be available to readers everywhere. I’ll be back then with a more extensive review, but for now, this is me giving you a little taste of what’s to come.
Congratulations, Ikenna!
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