Ka Chi foo Nu

Author – Harachi Nnamchi

Format – Paperback

Ka Chi Foo Nu is an intriguing collection of short stories with the prevailing theme of femicide interlaced with each story drawing you into the struggles of average women in the Nigerian society.

Harachi’s work is a collage of five stories about life, love, loss and other intense emotions felt by women in the attempt to challenge a norm of female subjugation.

Take a sneak peek . . .

For a minute, I forgot how miserable I was; I forgot that soon their faces would no longer be necessary.

Next to me, a girl poured cornflakes into a bowl. She put in five spoons of milk, and I immediately thought, she is wasteful. My mother rationed our milk at home. It must last till the end of the month; and even if it does not, she will not purchase more. I had my eyes fixed on the girl, who gave me a coy but endearing smile as she returned my look. I was not sure what it meant, but I knew there was something to it. She had a fine row of sparkling teeth that I couldn’t help but stare at them.

Uloma, whom I just discovered was my corner mate, tapped me from behind.

“You are the new SS1 student? You should change; it is almost time for dinner.”

I looked at her and said nothing. I usually say nothing most of the time, not because I do not want to speak, but rather because I never find the appropriate words to express myself. We went for dinner, said our night prayers, and returned to our rooms.

That night, I lay on my bed and stared at the ceiling. I have a chance here. I considered whether I should take it or wait. Sleep soon came; I did not know when, but I sensed a hand go underneath my nightwear. I felt it. I did not move. I did not scream. I lay there in silence and allowed it to happen. Just like back home, the night Papa sneaked into my room and raised my skirts, his hands clamped over my mouth. The fast thrusting of his hand on the first night before returning the next to time put something else in me. Every following morning, I went into the bathroom and washed and washed. I did not know why I was washing so hard, but I knew I needed to get clean.

So, now I lay here waiting for this hand to move from my skirt to my mouth. I waited to feel the pain I’ve become so used to, but it never happened . . .The stories are a tribute to the souls that men have snatched. The stories are unapologetically Nigerian. And you are sure to find a character or a story that will dwell forever in your subconscious.

TITLES IN THE BOOKOur HusbandKa Chi Foo NuMy ManOur PriestMy SonKa Chi Foo Nu dares to question the norm of male dominance in the Nigerian society. The collection is a tribute to the souls men snatched.