Ayòbámi Adébáyò, the Women's Prize shortlisted author of Stay With Me, unveils in her latest novel, A Spell of Good Things, a dazzling story of modern Nigeria and two families caught in the riptides of wealth, power, romantic obsession and political corruption. Ayòbámi chats here about her mentor, what she finds most irritating in others and her biggest driving force.
What is your earliest memory?
My father travelled often for work. My earliest memory is of him returning home from a trip abroad. It was such a joyful moment. My mother was so pleased to have him back home, and I was jumping with excitement. I remember sitting on his shoulders after he picked me up. It was my favourite place to be as a child.
Who was or still is your mentor?
My mother. She is an incredible woman who has defied so many odds to become the person she is now. Her strength and courage are such an example to me. I did not care for her conscientiousness when I was a teenager but as I've gotten older, I've come to respect her wisdom and counsel.
How fit are you?
I've never been consistent with any exercise regimen besides walking or taking the stairs when I can. Exercise in the past year has mostly consisted of carrying my baby on my back to get him to sleep, often throughout his naps. I'm probably fitter than I've ever been.
Tell me about an animal you have loved.
A puppy named Lucky, who belonged to a neighbour. For some reason, he seemed to like me and would sometimes follow me around and come home with me. He was such an affectionate dog. It was impossible not to reciprocate. I was heartbroken when he died after being hit by a car.
Risk or caution, which has defined your life more?
I'm generally a very careful person but I do take risks when something matters deeply to me. Those decisions that involved an element of risk have been the most definitive in my life.
“Those decisions that involved an element of risk have been the most definitive in my life.”
What trait do you find most irritating in others?
I find people who are too self-absorbed both uninteresting and rather tiresome.
What trait do you find most irritating in yourself?
This changes. Generally, it's my tendency to overthink things. It can really sap the joy. Right now, I am bothered by how my mind wanders in all kinds of directions when I need to nod off. I was not so upset about this before now. It mostly meant that I would fall asleep late or give up on sleeping and get some work done. I've found my inability to simply fall asleep quite frustrating in this sleepdeprived post-partum period.
What drives you on?
I am buoyed by all the love I'm fortunate to have in my life. I've been blessed with a wonderful family. I've been greatly loved by both my parents; my sister is a gift to me in more ways than l can articulate; I'm surrounded by a band of cousins, uncles and aunts whose support I can count on. My husband's love has nourished me first in friendship, then in romance and the companionship of marriage. And now a new love, my son, whose giggles envelop me with warmth.
Do you believe in an afterlife?
Yes, now more than before.
Which is more puzzling, the existence of suffering or its frequent absence?
Considering all of humanity and even nature, the absence is more puzzling.
Name your favourite river.
Bodies of water make me nervous. I've probably been to the beach only four or five times as an adult.
What would you have done differently?
I think it's still too early for me to know. Time will reveal that.
A Spell of Good Things is out now.
This article originally appeared in The Financial Times. Interview by Hester Lacey.
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