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We've all seen the scams--those infamous 419 emails (named after a section of Nigerian law), that invade inboxes daily with a plea: "Dear Friend, I'm a retired barrister. I alone know the existence of this ten million dollar deposit. I am looking for your assistance..." But there are real people writing these emails, even if what they say isn't true. In Adaobi Nwaubani's vivid, often hilarious debut novel, we learn how one young man gets sucked into the 419 world, losing himself in the process. Kingsley is fresh out of university, eager to find an engineering job so he can support his family--descended into poverty after his father fell ill--and marry his sweetheart, Ola. But jobs are not easy to come by, and out of desperation he turns to his uncle, Cash Daddy, who runs a successful empire of 419 scams. Unconditional family support is the Nigerian way, but the hand Cash Daddy extends in charity has consequences. As Kingsley is drawn into this outlandish milieu, he soon realizes that nothing in Nigeria comes for free. Like Monica Ali, Kiran Desai, and Lisa See, Adaobi Nwaubani captures her distinct world in unputdownable ways. Accomplished, lyrical, and enlightening, this is a debut that is destined to stand out.

• February 2010 Indie Next List
• January 2010 Indie Next List
• December 2009 Indie Next List