New Novel Eloquently Captures the Immigrant Experience in America Through the Lens of a Young Nigerian Man
Through tender humor and insightful commentary, Bona Udeze tells the story of Emeka and his journey to begin a new life in a country rife with both opportunity and prejudice
CHICAGO, Aug. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Author and artist Bona Udeze has released "Just Arrived: A Different World," a compelling and emotionally resonant work of literary fiction that follows Nigerian-born Emeka as he makes his way in the United States after emigrating from Nigeria. Peppered with cultural touchpoints and reflections on contemporary social cruces, the novel paints a vivid portrait of life as an immigrant.
In the days leading up to his departure, Emeka cannot contain his excitement for the adventures that await him in the U.S. However, upon landing in Chicago, he is taken aback by the confusing airport and its unfriendly travelers and aggressive security officers. Emeka's culture shock is further exacerbated when a misunderstanding with the police results in his arrest.
As Emeka realizes, there are more differences between the U.S. and Nigeria than he previously anticipated, and he must quickly adjust and acclimate to succeed. Brazenly and humorously, he navigates his new environment, striking a balance between staying true to the norms and values of his culture of origin and accepting influence from his surroundings.
In writing "Just Arrived," Udeze draws inspiration from friends, relatives and others who have shared with him their immigration stories. He weaves together the common threads of these experiences, creating a novel that will deeply resonate with other immigrants as well as expand the awareness of native-born readers.
"Every immigrant learns their new environment," said Udeze. "They survive and thrive and surpass their dreams to be successful in the end, sometimes even more successful than American-born citizens. Therefore, it is important for people to tell their own stories to alter existing perception and prejudice and change the world."
"Bona Udeze's Just Arrived: A Different World is the captivating tale of a young man's experiences starting out in a new country, told with bold honesty and sharp wit," wrote Randall W. Magnuson, Professional Writer. "Udeze deftly balances sincerity, humor, and incisive social commentary as he explores the nuanced challenges of immigration and immersion in a new, unexpected culture."
"The writer collaborates the ideals of every human carrying three cultural complexes including personal complex, group complex, and country complex," wrote Azubuike Erinugha, Executive Producer, Towncrier Films and Nollywood Europe. "The book is fully loaded and highly educative. It is a hugely recommended read, especially for cultural integration, cohesion, awareness, and global unity."
"Just Arrived: A Different World"
By Bona Udeze
ISBN: 9781663214157 (softcover); 9781663214140 (electronic)
Available from iUniverse
About the author
Bona Udeze was born in Nigeria and now lives in the United States in Illinois. He studied urban and regional Planning, focusing on city design and development and environmental policy and planning. He is also a fine artist, specializing in collage and using beads and ornaments to create his works. In 2009, he published his first book, "Why Africa? A Continent in a Dilemma of Unanswered Questions," which was inspired by his great artwork "Why Africa?" To learn more about Udeze, please visit bonaudeze.com.
Review Copies & Interview Requests:
LAVIDGE – Phoenix
Leslie Standridge
480-998-2600 x 586
lstandridge(at)lavidge(dot)com
Media Contact
Leslie Standridge, LAVIDGE, 4809982600, [email protected]
SOURCE Bona Udeze
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