To define Nigeria is to tell a half-truth. Many have tried, but most have concluded that it is impossible to capture the true scope and significance of Africa's most populous nation through words or images. Through personal essays from twenty-four acclaimed and award-winning writers, a more accurate picture comes into view: one that details the realities and contradictions of patriotism, examines the role of class and privilege in Nigerian society, juxtaposes inherited tradition with the diasporic experience, and explores the power of storytelling and its intrinsic link to Nigeria's history.

Editors: Ore Agbaje-Williams and Nancy Adimora.

Introduction -- Clarion calls / Ayọbámi Adébáyọ -- Home history / Caleb Femi -- Father’s land / Umar Turaki -- Of country and reverie / Irenosen Okojie -- A brief history of Suya. / Inua Ellams -- Coming to Lagos / Helon Habila -- Still becoming / Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie -- Elephants and Giraffes / Oyinkan Akande -- Against enough / J K Chukwu -- Life is a marketplace / Chịkọdịlị Emelụmadụ -- Rites of passage / Anietie Isong -- Until we meet again / Hafsa Zayyan -- Nostalgia is an extreme sport / Lola Shoneyin -- Amaechina / Chika Unigwe -- One season, many decades, / Abubakar Adam Ibrahim -- War and peace / Okey Ndibe -- A banner without stain / Ike Anya -- Pride and punishment / Chigozie Obioma -- Contradictions / Bolu Babalola -- Nulli Secundus / Nels Abbey -- #RepresentationMatters: The oppressor in the mirror / Yomi Adegoke -- Education as savior / Cheluchi Onemelukwe -- Renewal / Sefi Atta -- You are not going back / Abi Daré.