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Prince of Monkeys
A provocative debut novel by a brilliant young Nigerian writer, tackling politics, class, spirituality, and power as a group of friends come of age in Lagos
Growing up in middle-class Lagos, Nigeria during the late 1980s and early 1990s, Ihechi forms a band of close friends discovering Lagos together as teenagers with differing opinions of everything from film to football, Fela Kuti to spirituality, sex to politics. They remain close-knit until tragedy unfolds during an anti-government riot.
Exiled from Lagos by his concerned mother, Ihechi moves in with his uncle’s family, where he struggles to find himself outside his former circle of friends. Ihechi eventually finds success by leveraging his connection with a notorious prostitution linchpin and political heavyweight, earning favor among the ruling elite.
But just as Ihechi is about to make his final ascent into the elite political class, he reunites with his childhood friends and experiences a crisis of conscience that forces him to question his world, his motives, and whom he should become. Nnamdi Ehirim's debut novel, Prince of Monkeys, is a lyrical, meditative observation of Nigerian life, religion, and politics at the end of the twentieth century.
Growing up in middle-class Lagos, Nigeria during the late 1980s and early 1990s, Ihechi forms a band of close friends discovering Lagos together as teenagers with differing opinions of everything from film to football, Fela Kuti to spirituality, sex to politics. They remain close-knit until tragedy unfolds during an anti-government riot.
Exiled from Lagos by his concerned mother, Ihechi moves in with his uncle’s family, where he struggles to find himself outside his former circle of friends. Ihechi eventually finds success by leveraging his connection with a notorious prostitution linchpin and political heavyweight, earning favor among the ruling elite.
But just as Ihechi is about to make his final ascent into the elite political class, he reunites with his childhood friends and experiences a crisis of conscience that forces him to question his world, his motives, and whom he should become. Nnamdi Ehirim's debut novel, Prince of Monkeys, is a lyrical, meditative observation of Nigerian life, religion, and politics at the end of the twentieth century.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 2, 2019
21 people are currently reading
1924 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 27, 2019
2.5 Stars
Ever read a book that screamt ‘DEBUT! DEBUT! DEBUUUUTTT!?’ This is one of those books. Getting into it, you can tell the author was overly excited and had too many ideas that he wanted to put across, and at the fear and risk of only ever getting published once, decided to cramp up everything into this one book. It’s distracting, most times annoying and robs you of the joy of really enjoying the book.
Prince of Monkeys is Ehirim’s debut novel and tells the story of Ihechi and his group of friends coming of age in military ruled and politically charged Nigeria. The story begins with Ihechi and his friends locked up in a prison cell, Ihechi the narrator noting that this is not their first stint in a cell. The rest of the story follows his life and that of his friends – Mendaus, Pastor’s Son and Maradonna – and the circumstances that led the group back to sharing a prison cell, years later.
Ihechi and his friends are an idealistic lot. In their youth, they enjoy playing football, watching movies and attending concerts but when one of their friends, Zeenat, is killed in an anti-government riot, the close knit group is torn apart and Ihechi sent off to Enugu to live with his uncle. In later years, the group find themselves further torn by their political alliances.
The entire book reads like a commentary on Nigerian politics and whilst you can tell the author had solid ideas, none of these are really well explored – he introduces so many other themes within this book – religion, sexuality, sex and politics, traditions – none properly interrogated and none properly developed. It also did not help that the text is heavy laden with metaphors, similes, parables and very long and drawn out reflective statements that completely distract the reader.
To draw from a passage from the book, this is a book that contains ‘typical intellectual jargon, the sort that appeals to the pseudo-intellectual elites’.
Would I recommend this book? Only if you have nothing else on your TBR. 2.5/5 stars
**Thanks to CounterPoint Press for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
Ever read a book that screamt ‘DEBUT! DEBUT! DEBUUUUTTT!?’ This is one of those books. Getting into it, you can tell the author was overly excited and had too many ideas that he wanted to put across, and at the fear and risk of only ever getting published once, decided to cramp up everything into this one book. It’s distracting, most times annoying and robs you of the joy of really enjoying the book.
Prince of Monkeys is Ehirim’s debut novel and tells the story of Ihechi and his group of friends coming of age in military ruled and politically charged Nigeria. The story begins with Ihechi and his friends locked up in a prison cell, Ihechi the narrator noting that this is not their first stint in a cell. The rest of the story follows his life and that of his friends – Mendaus, Pastor’s Son and Maradonna – and the circumstances that led the group back to sharing a prison cell, years later.
Ihechi and his friends are an idealistic lot. In their youth, they enjoy playing football, watching movies and attending concerts but when one of their friends, Zeenat, is killed in an anti-government riot, the close knit group is torn apart and Ihechi sent off to Enugu to live with his uncle. In later years, the group find themselves further torn by their political alliances.
The entire book reads like a commentary on Nigerian politics and whilst you can tell the author had solid ideas, none of these are really well explored – he introduces so many other themes within this book – religion, sexuality, sex and politics, traditions – none properly interrogated and none properly developed. It also did not help that the text is heavy laden with metaphors, similes, parables and very long and drawn out reflective statements that completely distract the reader.
To draw from a passage from the book, this is a book that contains ‘typical intellectual jargon, the sort that appeals to the pseudo-intellectual elites’.
Would I recommend this book? Only if you have nothing else on your TBR. 2.5/5 stars
**Thanks to CounterPoint Press for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
March 26, 2019
This is an interesting, complex novel of contemporary Nigeria. Our narrator, Ihechi, often doesn't know what to make of his country (or any other aspect of his life), but he does a good job of describing the competing world views, religions, politics, and expectations he and his close friends face. Even the timeline of the novel is fractured and hard to put together, as Ihechi tries to figure out how he, his friends, and his country are imprisoned and try to work a way out (the novel begins with the main characters waking up, confused, in jail, and we return there several times, but metaphorical prisons abound as well). This novel has plenty of plot, but it is more interested in ideas--prepare to read slowly, enjoying the imagery, but also expect to keep thinking about the novel and its questions after you have closed the book.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway--thank you to Counterpoint Press for the free copy--but my opinions are my own.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway--thank you to Counterpoint Press for the free copy--but my opinions are my own.
April 17, 2019
Prince of Monkeys was a really interesting coming of age tale that also tackled politics, religion, and class in Nigeria during the 1990s. The writing was excellent, numerous quotable lines made for a very thought provoking read. There was some adult content and intense imagery (especially at the end).
It started slow and finished too fast, and at times the writing felt a bit chaotic but overall I really liked it.
It started slow and finished too fast, and at times the writing felt a bit chaotic but overall I really liked it.
August 18, 2019
“I would not have an African civilization that would be an annex of Europe and America in administration and culture. That was Mendaus’s dream. I would rather have modern versions of our great cities of centuries ago, like Zaria and Ijaiye, where wealth was defined by the abundance of the community, not the profit of single individuals, where both largesse and family were endured communally, unlike modern cities, where dozens starve on the same street as one man’s dog with leftovers, but the street is heralded in greatness because of that one rich man. If I lived and died a million times, I would prefer a progression to the present past, with morality determined by communal values, not by the sentiments of the deepest pockets. But I did not know how to shape these ideas into a speech, let alone muster the courage to voice it.” - p. 239
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2019
“His reasoning knocked on the door of my conscience, but there was no budging; I would never understand his justifications. I had always heard but never understood that survival on Nigerian streets was like a game of chess, and no pieces were spared en route to checkmate.”
July 1, 2019
Couldn't get into it. Faint characterization and sense of place. The narrative was too episodic to engage me as a reader.
July 9, 2019
Good, informative, and occasionally moving book, although not without some serious flaws (pacing, under-characterization, confusing framing device, forgettable-ness, etc.)
July 31, 2019
Beautifully written, delightful prose, and heart rending honesty in this coming-of-age tale. So grateful my librarian recommended this book to me!
April 29, 2019
Nnamdi Ehirim’s debut novel-Prince if Monkeys,is a lyrical meditative observation of Nigerian life, religion and politics
at the end of the twentieth century..Looking forward to his future writings.
at the end of the twentieth century..Looking forward to his future writings.
November 11, 2019
The book was a drag. Pacing was horrible.
May 10, 2019
This has to be one of the most beautiful stories ever written. From start to finish, you are literally glued to every page, to a point that you can almost touch the words - all so elegantly put together. An absolute masterpiece of art.
May 4, 2019
A good novel. Good plot. Good character development. An enjoyable read. Won courtesy of the author and goodreads.com
September 30, 2019
This book has a lot of idea and word density which makes it interesting learning about Nigeria. The ending , though...very abrupt and left you wanting more. I hope there will be a part 2 .
May 4, 2025
**“Ògún ọmọdé kì í ṣeré fún ògún ọdún”** is a Yoruba proverb that translates to, *"Twenty children cannot play together for twenty years."* It suggests that with time, people grow apart due to life’s changes and responsibilities. While this holds some truth, *Nnamdi Ehirim’s* debut novel, *Prince of Monkeys*, presents a compelling counterpoint through the lives of four friends—Ihechi, Mendaus, Pastor’s son, and Maradona.
We first meet them as innocent boys, their biggest concern being where to set up a new football pitch. Their friendship is pure, untainted by politics or prejudice. But as they transition into adolescence (Maradona fades from the picture while Zeenat joins the group), their world expands beyond football. They begin frequenting the Afrika Shrine, where Fela Anikulapo-Kuti performs his revolutionary music—marking the beginning of their political awakening.
Then, tragedy strikes.
Ihechi, our narrator, is abruptly sent to Enugu to live with his uncle's family. It is in Enugu that the narrative deepens. Here, Ehirim explores the lingering trauma of the Biafran War—pain that runs so deep, it shapes identity and relationships. Despite being born to an Igbo father and a Yoruba mother, Ihechi is made to confront the prejudices that still exist in post-war Nigeria. The supposed national unity is undercut by lingering tribal divisions. Nigeria may call itself one nation, but its history tells a different story—one of brother turning against brother.
Religion, too, is central to this novel. Through various characters, Ehirim portrays Nigeria’s three major belief systems: Christianity, Islam, and African Traditional Religion. Ihechi’s mother is a devout Ifa worshipper and raises him in the same way, though he remains skeptical. When he moves to Enugu and is made to attend church with his uncle’s family, his resistance continues. His struggle captures the conflict many Nigerians face in reconciling inherited traditions with imposed beliefs.
In Enugu, Ihechi meets his cousins, Thessalonians and Ephesians, and begins adjusting to a quieter family life. Yet, the weight of his past lingers—his guilt over the tragedy in Lagos and longing for his childhood friends. There’s a touch of spiritual realism too—especially in the mysterious disappearance of Esu and Yemoja figurines, adding a mystical dimension to an otherwise stark narrative.
Through Thessalonians (Tessy), Ihechi is introduced to Madame Messalina, who connects him with a powerful figure, the Major General. As he begins running errands for this military man, we get a glimpse into the dark underbelly of Nigerian politics during the 1980s and 90s. Ehirim’s depiction of power, corruption, and survival is chillingly accurate. Despite being surrounded by danger, Ihechi thrives, even being considered for the presidency in the looming transition to democracy. But just when everything seems perfect—things fall apart.
Having read Ehirim’s second novel, *The Brevity of Beautiful Things*, I recognize his signature style: the masterful use of shock. In *Prince of Monkeys*, this emerges clearly on page 273—a moment so jarring, I screamed. But truly, if you’ve lived in Nigeria, you know this book reflects reality. It isn’t an exaggeration—it’s an indictment.
*Prince of Monkeys* is more than a coming-of-age story. It is a social commentary, a mirror held up to Nigeria’s face, exposing its religious tensions, tribal prejudices, political rot, and generational trauma. The ending left a sour taste in my mouth—not because it lacked resolution, but because it felt painfully real. The characters—particularly Mendaus and Ihechi—tried in their own ways to resist the system: through propaganda, revolution, or walking away from it all. But as the saying goes, *"He who lives by the sword dies by the sword."* And so it was.
One can’t help but ask: Was there ever a way out? Could they have waited for a messiah, or were they supposed to be the ones to bell the cat?
This book is intellectually rich, dense with political and cultural references. It demands patience and critical thought, but it rewards the reader generously. Ehirim leaves no stone unturned in his use of literary devices, crafting a layered story that ultimately charts the journey of four young boys—from a football pitch to a prison cell.
We first meet them as innocent boys, their biggest concern being where to set up a new football pitch. Their friendship is pure, untainted by politics or prejudice. But as they transition into adolescence (Maradona fades from the picture while Zeenat joins the group), their world expands beyond football. They begin frequenting the Afrika Shrine, where Fela Anikulapo-Kuti performs his revolutionary music—marking the beginning of their political awakening.
Then, tragedy strikes.
Ihechi, our narrator, is abruptly sent to Enugu to live with his uncle's family. It is in Enugu that the narrative deepens. Here, Ehirim explores the lingering trauma of the Biafran War—pain that runs so deep, it shapes identity and relationships. Despite being born to an Igbo father and a Yoruba mother, Ihechi is made to confront the prejudices that still exist in post-war Nigeria. The supposed national unity is undercut by lingering tribal divisions. Nigeria may call itself one nation, but its history tells a different story—one of brother turning against brother.
Religion, too, is central to this novel. Through various characters, Ehirim portrays Nigeria’s three major belief systems: Christianity, Islam, and African Traditional Religion. Ihechi’s mother is a devout Ifa worshipper and raises him in the same way, though he remains skeptical. When he moves to Enugu and is made to attend church with his uncle’s family, his resistance continues. His struggle captures the conflict many Nigerians face in reconciling inherited traditions with imposed beliefs.
In Enugu, Ihechi meets his cousins, Thessalonians and Ephesians, and begins adjusting to a quieter family life. Yet, the weight of his past lingers—his guilt over the tragedy in Lagos and longing for his childhood friends. There’s a touch of spiritual realism too—especially in the mysterious disappearance of Esu and Yemoja figurines, adding a mystical dimension to an otherwise stark narrative.
Through Thessalonians (Tessy), Ihechi is introduced to Madame Messalina, who connects him with a powerful figure, the Major General. As he begins running errands for this military man, we get a glimpse into the dark underbelly of Nigerian politics during the 1980s and 90s. Ehirim’s depiction of power, corruption, and survival is chillingly accurate. Despite being surrounded by danger, Ihechi thrives, even being considered for the presidency in the looming transition to democracy. But just when everything seems perfect—things fall apart.
Having read Ehirim’s second novel, *The Brevity of Beautiful Things*, I recognize his signature style: the masterful use of shock. In *Prince of Monkeys*, this emerges clearly on page 273—a moment so jarring, I screamed. But truly, if you’ve lived in Nigeria, you know this book reflects reality. It isn’t an exaggeration—it’s an indictment.
*Prince of Monkeys* is more than a coming-of-age story. It is a social commentary, a mirror held up to Nigeria’s face, exposing its religious tensions, tribal prejudices, political rot, and generational trauma. The ending left a sour taste in my mouth—not because it lacked resolution, but because it felt painfully real. The characters—particularly Mendaus and Ihechi—tried in their own ways to resist the system: through propaganda, revolution, or walking away from it all. But as the saying goes, *"He who lives by the sword dies by the sword."* And so it was.
One can’t help but ask: Was there ever a way out? Could they have waited for a messiah, or were they supposed to be the ones to bell the cat?
This book is intellectually rich, dense with political and cultural references. It demands patience and critical thought, but it rewards the reader generously. Ehirim leaves no stone unturned in his use of literary devices, crafting a layered story that ultimately charts the journey of four young boys—from a football pitch to a prison cell.
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November 24, 2019
Empowerment from wealth or bonds: which is more important? How does one navigate and understand their place within a post-colonial and capitalistic society that is constantly challenging or incorporating Western culture into itself? How can you maintain your friendships and relationships within a society that is constantly dealing with political upheaval? What is self-actualization if external societal forces are always influencing you? And can you actually escape imprisonment? Nnamdi Ehirim wrestles with these questions in his debut novel Prince of Monkeys.
Additionally, Ehirim’s concern with politics, spirituality, religion, gender, sexuality, class, tribalism, and identity in the novel shows that one cannot live within a post-colonial society without risking something, whether these risks involve the loss of freedom, body parts, damaged relationships, and loved ones. However, throughout the danger, loss, and tragedy experienced by the characters in Prince of Monkeys, Ehririm reminds readers that you have to continue to live in spite of everything for yourself even if it means you have to risk experiencing a social, mental, or physical death.
Therefore, if you enjoy episodic, postmodernist, and realism novels that deal with the post-colonial subjects’ articulation of their subject positions and how they navigate two seemingly separate worlds within a single society, you should add Nnamdi Ehirim’s Prince of Monkeys onto your list of books to read.
Additionally, Ehirim’s concern with politics, spirituality, religion, gender, sexuality, class, tribalism, and identity in the novel shows that one cannot live within a post-colonial society without risking something, whether these risks involve the loss of freedom, body parts, damaged relationships, and loved ones. However, throughout the danger, loss, and tragedy experienced by the characters in Prince of Monkeys, Ehririm reminds readers that you have to continue to live in spite of everything for yourself even if it means you have to risk experiencing a social, mental, or physical death.
Therefore, if you enjoy episodic, postmodernist, and realism novels that deal with the post-colonial subjects’ articulation of their subject positions and how they navigate two seemingly separate worlds within a single society, you should add Nnamdi Ehirim’s Prince of Monkeys onto your list of books to read.
June 24, 2021
This is a decent bildungsroman however Nnamdi was deeply involved in trying to impress the reader with his knowledge of culture both Nigerian and foreign than actually telling a tale towards a purpose that is intriguing. I must confess I got less interested with Ilechi and what he had to change or understand at the end from chapter 5. A lot of friction and conflict with Ilechi and his world that leaves the reader possibly bored as to what it will turn him into at the end. I guess I am repeating myself
I will praise the writing which is the star of the show from the lyrical and poetic tone to numerous symbolism of Ilechi's desire to understand his world and overcome a past that haunts him. The writing is good enough to engage you till you get to a point and ask "why should I bother anymore?"
I will praise the writing which is the star of the show from the lyrical and poetic tone to numerous symbolism of Ilechi's desire to understand his world and overcome a past that haunts him. The writing is good enough to engage you till you get to a point and ask "why should I bother anymore?"
May 5, 2019
I received an Advance Reader's Copy of this novel from Counterpoint Press in exchange for a review. This did not affect my opinion in any way.
3.5 stars
Full review at Somewhat Reserved
This story reveals events that took place from Ihechi's childhood to adulthood.
He went to a Christian primary school and felt a little different from his peers since his mother practiced Ifá, a traditional Yoruba pagan religion.
Though this book was engaging, I couldn't help but get annoyed at some instances where a character would have a piece of dialogue that would take up a page or at least most of it.
All in all a fascinating story of twentieth century Nigerian life.
3.5 stars
Full review at Somewhat Reserved
This story reveals events that took place from Ihechi's childhood to adulthood.
He went to a Christian primary school and felt a little different from his peers since his mother practiced Ifá, a traditional Yoruba pagan religion.
Though this book was engaging, I couldn't help but get annoyed at some instances where a character would have a piece of dialogue that would take up a page or at least most of it.
All in all a fascinating story of twentieth century Nigerian life.
April 14, 2020
"Injustice is only injustice when it happened in the past. This is the present. There's no judge to decide justice in the present, just witnesses who are as powerless as victims."
Few writers will have me baffled beyond my bias this way, but NNAMDI I AM SO PROUD TO KNOW YOU. With your mastery of riveting fiction and illustrative language, I am in awe of all the things I have yet to learn from you. Luckily the world gets to do the same - goes without saying now that the NYTimes already caught your fire!
Prince of Monkeys is a time travel out of the ordinary, and albeit fictional, an exploration of recent Nigerian history that sparked my motivation to read on. First to the thrilling end of this book, then onto Chinua Achebe and Buchi Emecheta.
Few writers will have me baffled beyond my bias this way, but NNAMDI I AM SO PROUD TO KNOW YOU. With your mastery of riveting fiction and illustrative language, I am in awe of all the things I have yet to learn from you. Luckily the world gets to do the same - goes without saying now that the NYTimes already caught your fire!
Prince of Monkeys is a time travel out of the ordinary, and albeit fictional, an exploration of recent Nigerian history that sparked my motivation to read on. First to the thrilling end of this book, then onto Chinua Achebe and Buchi Emecheta.
March 22, 2020
Being an armchair Traveller and homebound long before the Coronavirus, I like reading books that take place in other places........
This is the second "serious" book I've read about modern happenings, politics, and daily life in Nigeria and it is a very good slice of late 80,s to late 90,s of Nigerian life with a short history of Nigeria and Biafra thrown in too!
My takeaway is that every Nigerian likes to be right ( like most people) and they are all willing to fight to keep their positions in motion and relevant!
This is also quite a sad book, just as Little Bee is........and shares another trait with Little Bee....hard to start and then hard to put down and finished in one day
This is the second "serious" book I've read about modern happenings, politics, and daily life in Nigeria and it is a very good slice of late 80,s to late 90,s of Nigerian life with a short history of Nigeria and Biafra thrown in too!
My takeaway is that every Nigerian likes to be right ( like most people) and they are all willing to fight to keep their positions in motion and relevant!
This is also quite a sad book, just as Little Bee is........and shares another trait with Little Bee....hard to start and then hard to put down and finished in one day
May 9, 2019
I was pretty distracted when I read this and am perhaps not giving it its full due. But I struggled to get through it, and couldn't wait to finish it so I could get to something a bit more to my taste in fiction. Too much testosterone? Perhaps.
September 14, 2021
I enjoyed the first part of the book but after the jump in time it completely lost my interest. Outside factors may have contributed to my interest falling off but I just failed to connect with the story from that point on. Reader experience may vary, this is not should-I-read-this advice.
October 11, 2019
I enjoyed the poetic description, particularly at the beginning. The ending was abrupt and seemed anti-climatic to me.
March 10, 2020
The politics of this book made me want to stand up, go outside, tear shirt and fight because!!!
And Fuck!!! What was that ending!!!
And Fuck!!! What was that ending!!!
October 21, 2022
The novel has its faults. But it tackles politics admirably.
April 6, 2023
Exquisite writing.
February 15, 2025
Politics is a very dirty game
Religion is quite a divisive force
Never dabble with the Devil. You can never win 🏆
Religion is quite a divisive force
Never dabble with the Devil. You can never win 🏆
August 11, 2024
I enjoyed the plot of this book. It was interesting and moved along well. The beginning seemed a bit disjointed from the end but isn't that life... We start out 'normal' children and then end up in all sorts of predicaments. The plot felt a bit fantastical at some points (haha) but I confronted the possibility that the fact that I was incredulous doesn't make it unrealistic. But still, I could have been convinced a little bit more.
My main problem, however, was the writing style. It was heavy and clunky in a way that made it difficult to read. It was as if the writer was lugging a lot of unnecessary words around and inserting more metaphors than needed. A lot of the time, the metaphors seemed to detract from the sentence rather than make the writer's point or image more lucid.
Still, the book does make you think about politics and how even ideals are oftentimes only championed for personal gain.
My main problem, however, was the writing style. It was heavy and clunky in a way that made it difficult to read. It was as if the writer was lugging a lot of unnecessary words around and inserting more metaphors than needed. A lot of the time, the metaphors seemed to detract from the sentence rather than make the writer's point or image more lucid.
Still, the book does make you think about politics and how even ideals are oftentimes only championed for personal gain.
August 31, 2023
Poetic that the last novel I read in 2022, is also the best one. Nnamdi's Ehirim debut novel is the best debut novel I've read since Chigozie Obioma's The Fishermen. This book is so brilliant, there's no way my review can do it justice. It was so engaging to read Nigerian historical fiction that weaves a story around Nigerian life, spirituality and politics in the 90s from the POV of men in their 20s/30s in such lyrical prose, it's genius. I'll recommend to anyone.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews