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The Whispering Trees
The Whispering Trees, award winning writer Abubakar Adam Ibrahim's debut collection of short stories, employs nuance, subtle drama and deadpan humor to capture colorful Nigerian lives.
There's Kyakkayawa, who sparks forbidden thoughts in her fathers and has a bit of angels and witches in her; there's the mysterious butterfly girl who just might be an incarnation of Ohikwo's long dead mother; there's also a flummoxed white woman caught between two Nigerian brothers and an unfolding scandal, and, of course, the two medicine men of Mazade who battle against their egos, an epidemic and an enigmatic witch.
There's Kyakkayawa, who sparks forbidden thoughts in her fathers and has a bit of angels and witches in her; there's the mysterious butterfly girl who just might be an incarnation of Ohikwo's long dead mother; there's also a flummoxed white woman caught between two Nigerian brothers and an unfolding scandal, and, of course, the two medicine men of Mazade who battle against their egos, an epidemic and an enigmatic witch.
162 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
9 people are currently reading
231 people want to read
About the author
Abubakar Adam Ibrahim
14 books99 followersAbubakar Adam Ibrahim (born 1979) is a Nigerian creative writer and journalist.
His debut short-story collection The Whispering Trees was longlisted for the inaugural Etisalat Prize for Literature in 2014, with the title story shortlisted for the Caine Prize for African Writing.
Ibrahim has won the BBC African Performance Prize and the ANA Plateau/Amatu Braide Prize for Prose. He is a Gabriel Garcia Marquez Fellow (2013), a Civitella Ranieri Fellow (2015). In 2014 he was selected for the Africa39 list of writers aged under 40 with potential and talent to define future trends in African literature, and was included in the anthology Africa39: New Writing from Africa South of the Sahara (ed. Ellah Allfrey). He was a mentor on the 2013 Writivism programme and judged the Writivism Short Story Prize in 2014. He was chair of judges for the 2016 Etisalat Flash Fiction Prize.
His first novel, Season of Crimson Blossoms, was published in 2015 by Parrésia Publishers in Nigeria and by Cassava Republic Press in the UK (2016). Season of Crimson Blossoms was shortlisted in September 2016 for the Nigeria Prize for Literature, Africa's largest literary prize.[14] It was announced on 12 October 2016 that Ibrahim was the winner of the $100,000 prize. Ibrahim was the recipient of the 2016 Goethe-Institut & Sylt Foundation African Writer's Residency Award.
His debut short-story collection The Whispering Trees was longlisted for the inaugural Etisalat Prize for Literature in 2014, with the title story shortlisted for the Caine Prize for African Writing.
Ibrahim has won the BBC African Performance Prize and the ANA Plateau/Amatu Braide Prize for Prose. He is a Gabriel Garcia Marquez Fellow (2013), a Civitella Ranieri Fellow (2015). In 2014 he was selected for the Africa39 list of writers aged under 40 with potential and talent to define future trends in African literature, and was included in the anthology Africa39: New Writing from Africa South of the Sahara (ed. Ellah Allfrey). He was a mentor on the 2013 Writivism programme and judged the Writivism Short Story Prize in 2014. He was chair of judges for the 2016 Etisalat Flash Fiction Prize.
His first novel, Season of Crimson Blossoms, was published in 2015 by Parrésia Publishers in Nigeria and by Cassava Republic Press in the UK (2016). Season of Crimson Blossoms was shortlisted in September 2016 for the Nigeria Prize for Literature, Africa's largest literary prize.[14] It was announced on 12 October 2016 that Ibrahim was the winner of the $100,000 prize. Ibrahim was the recipient of the 2016 Goethe-Institut & Sylt Foundation African Writer's Residency Award.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 15, 2013
The debut short story collection The Whispering Trees showcases a young writer’s command of the short story form. In no way pretentious or structurally formulaic, Abubakar Adam Ibrahim seems to be searching for his distinctive style in this collection only to end up offering 12 stories that are each stylistically pleasing with engaging characters whom I could not help but identify with.
"There are times when silence is more eloquent than poetry."
Another gift this writer has is stories that bleed excitement to the point of abandoning the literary and acquiring the entertainment label. Fortunately that point is never crossed, thus successfully creating stories of quality in terms of economy of language, characterization and layers of emotional depth, while simultaneously entertaining the reader with cultural nuances such as traditional superstitions, religious interpretations or family values. In a few stories, the theme of political oppression is mixed in with the cultural nuances providing the stories with a further richness and reminding the reader of the volatile setting that is Nigeria.
Ibrahim's evocation of traditional superstitions and political oppression reminded me of Ben Okri's stories in 'Stars of a New Curfew', where both collections lean towards magical realism with a Nigerian flavor, as these stories often involve witchcraft or voodoo (black magic) that is traditionally a part of many tribes that currently inhabit the geographical locale of Nigeria. Where the advent of modern faiths, particularly Islam and Christianity shun these dark practices, the inherent fear amongst local populace of witchcraft practitioners remains, and Ibrahim exploits these fears. As for political oppression, I have covered this here.
A real treat is the tightness of Ibrahim's stories with respect to narrative cohesiveness and economy of language, while constructing layers of depth in each story as the characters come to terms with their emotional turmoils. The style of writing occasionally reminded me of Jhumpa Lahiri's excellent short story collection The Interpreter of Maladies. There is one key difference though, where Lahiri's style is typical of an MFA graduate form the U.S.A., Ibrahim's is anything but that. His is a self-made style albeit still in development that has a richness all of its own. His stories lack predictability and often end at the climax leaving me at times shocked to ponder the character's choice, and at times amused at the absurdity of human behavior while completely accepting it as valid. Perhaps the most remarkable feat of Ibrahim is the level of subtlety in delivering this unpredictable climax to the reader.
This is a writer whose work I will be taking a closer look at in the years to come. It is such a privilege to be able to read writers of distinctively different cultures. Not only is Ibrahim a Nigerian, but he is from the north of the country from where I have read much fewer writers compared to the south. I would like to leave you with this line that resonated deeply with me from the title story:
"happiness lies, not in getting what you want, but in wanting what you have."
"There are times when silence is more eloquent than poetry."
Another gift this writer has is stories that bleed excitement to the point of abandoning the literary and acquiring the entertainment label. Fortunately that point is never crossed, thus successfully creating stories of quality in terms of economy of language, characterization and layers of emotional depth, while simultaneously entertaining the reader with cultural nuances such as traditional superstitions, religious interpretations or family values. In a few stories, the theme of political oppression is mixed in with the cultural nuances providing the stories with a further richness and reminding the reader of the volatile setting that is Nigeria.
Ibrahim's evocation of traditional superstitions and political oppression reminded me of Ben Okri's stories in 'Stars of a New Curfew', where both collections lean towards magical realism with a Nigerian flavor, as these stories often involve witchcraft or voodoo (black magic) that is traditionally a part of many tribes that currently inhabit the geographical locale of Nigeria. Where the advent of modern faiths, particularly Islam and Christianity shun these dark practices, the inherent fear amongst local populace of witchcraft practitioners remains, and Ibrahim exploits these fears. As for political oppression, I have covered this here.
A real treat is the tightness of Ibrahim's stories with respect to narrative cohesiveness and economy of language, while constructing layers of depth in each story as the characters come to terms with their emotional turmoils. The style of writing occasionally reminded me of Jhumpa Lahiri's excellent short story collection The Interpreter of Maladies. There is one key difference though, where Lahiri's style is typical of an MFA graduate form the U.S.A., Ibrahim's is anything but that. His is a self-made style albeit still in development that has a richness all of its own. His stories lack predictability and often end at the climax leaving me at times shocked to ponder the character's choice, and at times amused at the absurdity of human behavior while completely accepting it as valid. Perhaps the most remarkable feat of Ibrahim is the level of subtlety in delivering this unpredictable climax to the reader.
This is a writer whose work I will be taking a closer look at in the years to come. It is such a privilege to be able to read writers of distinctively different cultures. Not only is Ibrahim a Nigerian, but he is from the north of the country from where I have read much fewer writers compared to the south. I would like to leave you with this line that resonated deeply with me from the title story:
"happiness lies, not in getting what you want, but in wanting what you have."
June 24, 2021
Rating 2.5 star.
MY THOUGHTS
This read was first published in 2012, and during the period of reading this book, all I could see was growth on the author's end. Given I've previously read Seasons of Crimson Blossoms which I enjoyed.
The story "Closure" was it for me.
This collection reminds me of our choices in genres, and how books gets to us differently. It didn't do it for me, cos it felt like immediately I'm getting to know a character, I'm been pushed to meet another without interacting with the previous one.I couldn't get the message.
MY THOUGHTS
This read was first published in 2012, and during the period of reading this book, all I could see was growth on the author's end. Given I've previously read Seasons of Crimson Blossoms which I enjoyed.
The story "Closure" was it for me.
This collection reminds me of our choices in genres, and how books gets to us differently. It didn't do it for me, cos it felt like immediately I'm getting to know a character, I'm been pushed to meet another without interacting with the previous one.I couldn't get the message.
February 5, 2022
Mostly misses. Some interesting ideas but not executed well. A lot of the time after finishing a story I would be like “????” Needed more foreshadowing, more insight into the characters.
March 31, 2023
African magical realism and... butterflies!
June 20, 2016
I have a throne section in my house for African writers. I put my greatest reads on this section and wait for a dethroning. Well, the Whispering trees just dethroned most African books I have read so far. Have you ever read a short story collection so good you had to purchase another book by the author? That is what happened to me. The beauty is that it is not just one or two stories that are good, it is the WHOLE collection. The book starts with Twilight and Mist a story of
The book starts with Twilight and Mist a story of Ohikwo who on the eve of his 32nd birthday meets someone who claims to be his mother. There is just one problem with this claim, the woman didn't look older than seventeen. But if she is not his mother, how does she know everything about him? Intriguing?
Not as Intriguing as the book title The whispering Trees. Here a young man, Salim, has his dreams of becoming a doctor shattered when he is involved in an accident. In a blink of an eye, he loses his sight, his fiancée and his purpose for living. Just when he thinks he has lost everything he develops a gift that lets him realize that "happiness lies, not in getting what you want, but in wanting what you have."
The book weaves through other lovable and hateful characters, From the beautiful housewife infatuated with her garbage man, to two medicine men tasked with saving their village from a plague that ravages their village in Cry of the witch.
This collection is pure gold with characters that jump at you from the pages and breathe your own air. It weaves African beliefs and modern-day life in a beautiful yet simple way that you experience every moment with your heart in your throat( not literally). You have a touch of political oppression in one story then
There is a touch of political oppression in one story then you are swept in a wave of magical realism in the next leaving you breathless with every page. You will peel layers upon layers in these stories finding hope in some and in others accepting death as the natural check of everything good and evil. You will wonder at the decisions of some characters gauging them to your own and will probably applaud the courage of some of the characters.
Shortlisted for the Caine Prize for African writing 2013 and longlisted for the Etisalat Prize for prose 2014 this book promises entertainment, Life lessons and a place in the throne room. We thank God for Abubakar the award-winning writer and his command of the written art.
Beautifully!
The book starts with Twilight and Mist a story of Ohikwo who on the eve of his 32nd birthday meets someone who claims to be his mother. There is just one problem with this claim, the woman didn't look older than seventeen. But if she is not his mother, how does she know everything about him? Intriguing?
Not as Intriguing as the book title The whispering Trees. Here a young man, Salim, has his dreams of becoming a doctor shattered when he is involved in an accident. In a blink of an eye, he loses his sight, his fiancée and his purpose for living. Just when he thinks he has lost everything he develops a gift that lets him realize that "happiness lies, not in getting what you want, but in wanting what you have."
The book weaves through other lovable and hateful characters, From the beautiful housewife infatuated with her garbage man, to two medicine men tasked with saving their village from a plague that ravages their village in Cry of the witch.
This collection is pure gold with characters that jump at you from the pages and breathe your own air. It weaves African beliefs and modern-day life in a beautiful yet simple way that you experience every moment with your heart in your throat( not literally). You have a touch of political oppression in one story then
There is a touch of political oppression in one story then you are swept in a wave of magical realism in the next leaving you breathless with every page. You will peel layers upon layers in these stories finding hope in some and in others accepting death as the natural check of everything good and evil. You will wonder at the decisions of some characters gauging them to your own and will probably applaud the courage of some of the characters.
Shortlisted for the Caine Prize for African writing 2013 and longlisted for the Etisalat Prize for prose 2014 this book promises entertainment, Life lessons and a place in the throne room. We thank God for Abubakar the award-winning writer and his command of the written art.
Beautifully!
December 18, 2023
Great book of short stories
As I get older, I am drawn more to stories written by people from my home country. I loved all the stories here, some mad me cry, some made me happy, some left me unsettled. All in all, it was a wonderful little book that I read in one sitting. I highly recommend it. It also made me brush up on my Hausa, lol
As I get older, I am drawn more to stories written by people from my home country. I loved all the stories here, some mad me cry, some made me happy, some left me unsettled. All in all, it was a wonderful little book that I read in one sitting. I highly recommend it. It also made me brush up on my Hausa, lol
June 16, 2022
Abubakar does this thing where some of his stories make absolutely no sense. I still don’t understand what happened in, “Twilight and mist”. In “the garbage man”, why did Amarya suddenly have a change of mind? She was so determined to have a tryst with Aminu. It ended so abruptly, aaargh. I guess I’ll have to organize an actual meeting with the author because his fiction always leaves me feeling cheated out of something. I think this is mostly because I hold him in high regard and want my feelings to be clear-cut.
With “Baba Idi’s enclave”, because the setting of Abubakar’s stories is usually Jos whether he points it out or not, I knew very well what the ending meant. That one did not anger me.
I absolutely did not connect with any of the characters, at all.
I am seething with rage. Most of the stories end mid-story.
I am also conflicted about my rating.
With “Baba Idi’s enclave”, because the setting of Abubakar’s stories is usually Jos whether he points it out or not, I knew very well what the ending meant. That one did not anger me.
I absolutely did not connect with any of the characters, at all.
I am seething with rage. Most of the stories end mid-story.
I am also conflicted about my rating.
October 8, 2025
BOOK: WHISPERING TREES
AUTHOR: ABUBAKAR ADAM IBRAHIM
An amazing collection of short stories with different characters, settings, and storylines. This book has eleven short stories and I enjoyed every one of them from the dissatisfied housewife to the couple mourning the avoidable loss of their child to the grieving widow to the blind medical student to the hints of supernatural intertwined in some of the stories.
I liked reading it, it took less than a day for me to read the whole collection. However, I don't really know how to give a better review than this especially since it's a collection of short stories. But, it's the kind of book you can pick up to unwind after a long day. It doesn't need any commitment.
I liked the author's writing and how he brought the different emotions and characters to life.
AUTHOR: ABUBAKAR ADAM IBRAHIM
An amazing collection of short stories with different characters, settings, and storylines. This book has eleven short stories and I enjoyed every one of them from the dissatisfied housewife to the couple mourning the avoidable loss of their child to the grieving widow to the blind medical student to the hints of supernatural intertwined in some of the stories.
I liked reading it, it took less than a day for me to read the whole collection. However, I don't really know how to give a better review than this especially since it's a collection of short stories. But, it's the kind of book you can pick up to unwind after a long day. It doesn't need any commitment.
I liked the author's writing and how he brought the different emotions and characters to life.
Read
March 23, 2024Wonderful debut!
Heard so much about Ibrahim and decided to try Whispering Tree. His use of Hausa language unabashedly reminded me of "Purple Hibiscus." From the entire collection, "Closure" had me shook because that ending was so thrilling and I didn't realize I had been holding my breath the entire time until that freeing sigh of relief that escaped me immediately I finishedm.
Heard so much about Ibrahim and decided to try Whispering Tree. His use of Hausa language unabashedly reminded me of "Purple Hibiscus." From the entire collection, "Closure" had me shook because that ending was so thrilling and I didn't realize I had been holding my breath the entire time until that freeing sigh of relief that escaped me immediately I finishedm.
August 9, 2021
I like that this book is sad. I like that its sadness is the kind that does not drown. I like that this book is gentle to the mind. Easy to read, and just beautiful. A great collection of amazing stories.
August 4, 2023
The stories I enjoyed the most are:
The Whispering Trees
The Cry of the Witch
The Whirlwind
There were so so good but I think overall, this was a good collection of short stories and I really enjoyed it.
The Whispering Trees
The Cry of the Witch
The Whirlwind
There were so so good but I think overall, this was a good collection of short stories and I really enjoyed it.
June 29, 2020
Abubakar Adam Ibrahim's writing is powerful, dark and kept me glued up to the very last sentence. I cannot wait for the next collection of short stories from him.
September 22, 2024
I enjoyed this much more than I thought I would 😅... Night calls and the whirlwind left me speechless
January 15, 2025
A wonderful collection of short stories. Abubakar has once again wowed me with his lyrical prose.
April 14, 2025
I liked this 😊
June 28, 2025
Anything this author writes is refreshing
February 8, 2021
I enjoyed this collection of 11 short stories, some more fantastical and others more grounded in reality.
In quiet yet stunning prose, the author gives us glimpses into the everyday realities of life in Northern Nigeria, doing so in a dreamy fashion.
The writing is flexible and original, giving the collection with a rhythm of its own. The stories deal with a range of issues which on the face of it could be difficult, but the author never belabours his points or makes this heavy. Instead, it’s impactful and evocative, sometimes dark but still fun and playful. From politics, corruption, marriage, jealous in-laws, beauty, enchantment, and disturbing relationship dynamics the stories are anything but boring.
Northern Nigeria tends to be presented as a predominantly Muslim region which isn’t completely accurate and the author depicts this well, providing a range of voices as well as hardly making religion the crux of conflicts in the stories, and in many cases, the religion of the characters are irrelevant to the story.
I liked pretty much all of these and as expected the more mysterious and mystical were some of my favourites in here. Overall, a beautiful and essential collection as voices from Northern Nigeria are not heard enough of as is.
In quiet yet stunning prose, the author gives us glimpses into the everyday realities of life in Northern Nigeria, doing so in a dreamy fashion.
The writing is flexible and original, giving the collection with a rhythm of its own. The stories deal with a range of issues which on the face of it could be difficult, but the author never belabours his points or makes this heavy. Instead, it’s impactful and evocative, sometimes dark but still fun and playful. From politics, corruption, marriage, jealous in-laws, beauty, enchantment, and disturbing relationship dynamics the stories are anything but boring.
Northern Nigeria tends to be presented as a predominantly Muslim region which isn’t completely accurate and the author depicts this well, providing a range of voices as well as hardly making religion the crux of conflicts in the stories, and in many cases, the religion of the characters are irrelevant to the story.
I liked pretty much all of these and as expected the more mysterious and mystical were some of my favourites in here. Overall, a beautiful and essential collection as voices from Northern Nigeria are not heard enough of as is.
Want to read
June 24, 2015Note to self
http://africainwords.com/2015/06/18/q...
http://africainwords.com/2015/06/18/q...
December 21, 2016
Hmmm ,
While I liked some of the short stories they felt too rushed somehow.
Good read none the less
While I liked some of the short stories they felt too rushed somehow.
Good read none the less
November 19, 2021
I love the different stories written here
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews