Novelist and poet Samuel Monye is one of the 11 writers on the initial shortlist for the 2020 Nigeria Prize for Literature sponsored by Nigeria LNG Limited. His novel, ‘Give us Each Day’, an agonising tale of loss, isolation, family and friendship centred around a boy in Libya yearning to return home to Nigeria, is one of the books in contention for the $100,000 prize money. He talks about his writing, the book and expectations in this email interview. Excerpts
Where were you when you heard that you had been shortlisted for the NLNG-sponsored Nigeria Prize for Literature 2020?
I was in church. I got a WhatsApp message from Toni Kan, and I was a bit surprised. The message started with congratulations, so I was curious to see what it was about. He sent me a link to an article about the shortlist. It was unbelievable.
Why do you write?
I love stories, and I want to share them with others. And I love the way stories can provide an escape into other realities and perspectives and give people a different meaning to life.
What would you say writing has done for you, and what do you hope it would do for you?
Writing has been that one point where I channel my art and creativity easily. I am amazed at the myriad of ways I can capture thoughts and create worlds with my pen. And I hope to do this till the day I leave this earth.
Why do you think your book should win the prize?
For me, ‘Give Us Each Day’ is that book every writer hopes to write one day that cuts so deep to the hearts of everyone who reads it. Not only because of the story it tells but the light it sheds. I am grateful that I was the channel through which this story gets to be told. And I know it is a pebble in a pond – it will create ripple effects for good everywhere it goes.
What do you hope to do with the USD 100,000 money that comes with the prize?
I want to play a role in helping children who live on the streets. That’s a burden I have carried for a while now. And I have always wanted to further my studies in creative writing.
How does ‘Give Us Each Day’ reflect contemporary challenges, and what are the ways out of them?
It’s like the challenges of society never seem to end. But we keep fighting. ‘Give Us Each Day’ captures the pressing issues around illegal migration, modern-day terrorism, child trafficking, and terrorism. Writing this work was a journey for me. I had to study what it means to be these people. I can never fully understand, but the pain they feel and carry each day is real.
We don’t have time machines. We can’t go into the past and fix all our mistakes. But we can do something about today. Carpe Diem. We can nurture, protect and raise the children around us today. When we fail to do so, history will repeat itself again and again.
What vision of society is espoused in the novel?
‘Give Us Each Day’ sees the future of a society where our children are protected and not fed to the wolves. A community where the vulnerable are defended and the chasm between religions and ethnic groups are bridged. A childlike future.
Who and what are your influences?
Generally, my faith plays a significant role in my writing. My writing influences are far and wide. Titilope Sonuga, Veronica Roth, Terry Goodkind, and many more
How much would you say The Nigeria Prize for Literature has energised writing in the country?
I have known about the prize since 2017. The Nigeria Prize for Literature has done wonders. I am in awe of the extent they’ve gone to appreciate literature in the country. And I believe I speak not only for myself when I say that a prize like this that honours and respects my creative work is a motivation to keep writing and creating great content.
