Lagoon

Author: Nnedi Okorafor

Three strangers, a marine biologist who has just had a bust-up with her husband, a soldier who has just had a fight with his superior, and a rapper who has just finished a gruelling concert, all arrive together on a beach at Lagos. Then a meteorite crashes into the sea and they are overwhelmed by the tidal wave it causes. Miraculously, they all survive, and as they pull themselves back onto the shore there's a fourth person with them, a strange and alluring woman. The aliens have landed in Nigeria, but is Lagos ready for the aliens? As the three strangers find themselves working together to bring the alien face to face with their country's president, Nigeria erupts around them. Rioting fills the streets, a charismatic preacher sees an opportunity to cause mayhem, a bunch of kids set out on a crime spree, and the ancient gods of the country start to emerge. Why it's on the list: We're now starting to see science fiction from around the world, and the result can be wild and intoxicating. This is a strange and fascinating novel, full of vivid characters, unpredictable situations, startling action and new perspectives.