Wahala dey! Nearly All The Men in Lagos Are Mad

This is a review of Damilare Kuku's novel, Nearly All The Men in Lagos Are Mad

This short story collection by Damilare Kuku had been on my Reading List for quite some time and took me viciously by surprise when I picked it up, as though to get back at me for disregarding it for so long.

Nearly All The Men in Lagos Are Mad was published in October 2021 to praise and acclaim by both critics and casual readers, especially by African audiences who raved about it’s humorous and authentic depiction of the sex lives of Lagosians. Any woman across the world may be inclined to agree that the Nigerian men they’ve met are indeed mad.

Underneath the humor and candor of the sex lives of Lagosians is a provocative documentary on longing and sacrifices many women make to experience love. This anthology is much about the sexcapades as it is about the violence of patriarchy and how women navigate around it for survival. There is the story of the Pastor’s Wife who is a keyboard warrior for her unfaithful husband. There is Ivie, who’s first love not only sexually coerced her at 16 but also repeatedly cheated on her for over 10 years - he’s even caught cheating while she’s in labor with their first child! There is also a crew of Beards - rich, powerful and connected women married to secretly gay men - whose love lives are as well maintained and coordinated as their business deals.

Damilare Kuku’s writing is immersive, sweeping and intimate, and NATMILAM feels like she’s sharing tales with a dear friend over a glass of wine on a casual night out. It’s as endearing as it is heart breaking in some parts, which is the hallmark of a writer who not only carefully observes but also understands the people and places she writes about.