Chukwuebuka Ibeh's upcoming event, "Blessings - with Tayla Burney," at Union Market in Washington, DC on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at 7:00 pm is an event that you won't want to miss. Ibeh, a talented writer from Port Harcourt, Nigeria, will be discussing his powerful and moving novel, "Blessings," which explores the challenges of living freely in a country that criminalizes one's truest self. Set in post-military Nigeria and culminating in the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act of 2013, "Blessings" is a poignant story that follows the life of Obiefuna, a young man who navigates the strict hierarchy and unpredictable violence of his new boarding school while grappling with his own identity. As Obiefuna's family struggles to come to terms with his sexuality, the novel delves into the hard truths that they've all been hiding from, and the life Obiefuna wants drifts further out of reach. Ibeh, who has studied creative writing under renowned authors such as Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Dave Eggers, and Tash Aw, has been praised for his elegant and exquisite storytelling. He has been recognized as one of the "Most Promising New Voices of Nigerian Fiction" by Electric Literature and was a finalist for the prestigious Gerald Kraak Award. At the event, Ibeh will be in conversation with Tayla Burney, a long-time public radio producer and book enthusiast. Burney's expertise in author interviews and book events, as well as her own writing and reviews, make her the perfect partner to engage with Ibeh and explore the themes and insights of "Blessings." This event is free and open to the public, with first-come, first-served seating. Whether you're a fan of Ibeh's work, a lover of Nigerian literature, or simply someone who appreciates powerful and thought-provoking stories, this event is not to be missed. Attendees will have the opportunity to delve into the complexities of identity, family, and societal expectations, and to engage with two talented and insightful individuals who are shaping the literary landscape. So mark your calendars, gather your book-loving friends, and join us at Union Market on June 12th for an unforgettable evening with Chukwuebuka Ibeh and Tayla Burney. This event promises to be a captivating and enriching experience that will leave you inspired and eager to explore the world of "Blessings" and the talented writer behind it.