Hail Mary

March 1, 2025
Fetto's short-story collection is a detailed examination of what it means to be a Nigerian woman who dares to defy tradition and convention. There's Ifeoma, who bears the honor of being "first lady" of her church yet must take extreme measures to escape the violence she experiences at home. Morayo is living the enviable life of the wife of a rich white man, a privilege that comes at a cost. Then there's Riliwa of the title story who finds a guardian angel, Mary, to help her navigate her precarious existence in London, but whose services have a steep price. Known for her keen eye for fashion as British Vogue's style, art, and jewelry editor, Fetto shows that her observational skills go beyond the physical. Her characters are familiar but distinct, and her careful syntax brings to life the smells, sounds, and tastes of each story, pulling us into the experiences of each protagonist. Fetto leaves us wanting more with these compelling vignettes of the hidden lives of nine Nigerian women. An exceptional collection.

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