Lesley Nneka Arimah’s ‘Glory’ Makes The Coveted ‘O. Henry Prize Stories’ List For 2017

Every year, 20 of the best short stories – from an American or Canadian periodical – are selected to go into the coveted O. Henry short story anthology.

And this year, award-winning Nigerian writer Lesley Nneka Arimah makes this impressive list for her short story, Glory, which was published in Harper’s magazine.

Glory follows the story of ‘Glorybetogod’ Ngozi Akunyili and how her Nigerian parents believe her name would set her on the right path – to “be smart” and to “attend church regularly” – but in fact causes her nothing but trouble when they move to the US; so much so that she contemplates taking her life.

 

Lesley’s thoughtful stories have received grants and awards from Commonwealth Writers, AWP, the Elizabeth George Foundation, the Jerome Foundation and others

Her debut story collection, What It Means When A Man Falls From The Sky – which was named one of the most anticipated books of 2017 by Time Magazine and Elle – explores the “ties that bind parents and children, husbands and wives, lovers and friends to one another and to the places they call home”.

You can learn more about Lesley on her website; and you can read Glory for free right here.