The Comfort of Distant Stars

Echeruo's dazzling bildungsroman throws out ideas like firecrackers. . . It's quite a ride * * Financial Times * *
Echeruo proves a hypnotic, mind-bending talent in this extraordinary novel. One of the most exciting new voices I have had the pleasure to read -- AFUA HIRSCH
An enthralling story of science, faith, identity and human connection . . . An unusual and ambitious coming-of-age story . . . Echeruo's prose is clear and concise when it needs to be, expansive and lyrical at other times, and the author blends these two into a narrative whole that captivates and enthrals the reader as the story progresses. A fine debut novel and a literary talent to look out for -- DOUG JOHNSTONE * * Big Issue * *
This book is an equation of life, time and magic observed from a distant star -- NICK MAKOHA
A gripping novel, beautifully written and closely observed, narrated by a child prodigy turned great physicist. The juxtaposition of the ideas of modern physics, Igbo cosmology and personal relationships is nothing short of brilliant -- M.G. VASSANJI
Part coming of age, part reflection on the nature of time, The Comfort of Distant Stars is an artful blend of physics, philosophy and polytheistic cosmology. A physicist and a sun god together is a perfect metaphor for the African world view, and Ezeani's experiences in the West mirror those of us all. I love the richness and complexity of this book . . . All the human moments struck a chord -- TADE THOMPSON
This fearless debut lays at the reader's feet a magic carpet of time and time-shaped space. If the past doesn't exist and the future is an illusion, there is only the continuing blip of the present. In that continuum the world of the novel flows into itself in an endless timeless loop. To read it is to be immersed in a world more real than one's own. To stop reading is to return, altered, to an unreal world. Echeruo is gifted beyond measure -- JEET THAYIL
Echeruo has written a Great Nigerian Novel, a book of such sublime tension and insight, at the intersection of physics and Igbo cosmology. This book is well on its way to becoming part of the literary canon -- CHIKODILI EMELUMADU
Igbo spirituality, physics, betrayal: this audacious, brilliant novel has it all. It challenges everything we know about how to write and invites us to rethink how we perceive the world. Echeruo's prose is powerful. The Comfort of Distant Stars will deserve every prize it wins -- CHIKA UNIGWE
The limitations, opportunities and epiphanies of quotidian life are infused with grace and a lyricism that elevates them to delight and beyond. With a deft skill, Echeruo has crafted unique and beautiful coming-of-age novel possessed of a life and energy at once original, with an astonishing elegance of prose, and yet carrying the trace of the long lineage of African writing that he has so masterfully staked out a space in. Remarkable -- CHRIS ABANI