I dream of being held. Of being touched. Of being desired again. Of being recognized. Of not having to worry about what other people might one day th… - Sarah Ladipo Manyika

The 1960s struck me as such an exciting decade in which to start the novel—it was the time of independence movements across Africa, the Civil Rights movement in the US, and various countercultural movements across Europe. Artists ranging from Bob Dylan to Fela Kuti and the Beatles were amongst many to herald this change. But because I hadn’t lived through this decade myself, I had to do a lot of research for In Dependence for it to feel as historically authentic as possible. I loved the research which included reading back issues of local magazines and newspapers and interviewing people who’d lived through the period.

Is every, every?’ ‘Everything’s fine,’ I say, sensing her struggle with the words.

It’s tough out here, and sometimes when I read about Africa, I don’t see America being any better. It’s really a crying shame.