The House of Shells
The House of Shells by Efua Traore, published by Chicken House in 2022, is a middle-grade adventure that explores themes of friendship and cultural mythology. This edition, written in English and spanning 284 pages, follows Kuki as she navigates the challenges of moving to a new home and fitting in at a new school. While grappling with the idea of the Abiku curse, Kuki discovers an abandoned beach house and forms a deep bond with a girl named Enilo, leading her to confront her fears and the mysteries surrounding her.
Readers will find a richly woven narrative that draws from Yoruba mythology, presenting a magical adventure set in Nigeria. The story emphasizes the strength of female friendship in overcoming fear and superstition. As Kuki and Enilo’s friendship develops, Kuki’s journey becomes one of self-discovery and resilience against the backdrop of enchanting legends and the complexities of family dynamics. This book invites readers into a world where adventure and cultural heritage intertwine.
Official synopsis Publisher
From the critically acclaimed author of Children of the Quicksands- shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize – comes a breathtaking magical adventure …
Kuki refuses to believe in the curse of the Abiku. Her destiny is not to die young!
Her biggest problem right now is moving house and fitting in at her new school.
One evening while exploring, Kuki spies a driveway lined with giant palm trees. It leads to an abandoned beach house of shadows and scattered sea shells. And in the fading light, she meets a girl called Enilo.
They become friends – the best of friends.
Until Kuki makes a terrifying discovery …
- The second novel by Times/Chicken House Competition-winning Efua Traore, author of critically acclaimed Children of the Quicksands
- A beautifully evoked middle-grade adventure set in the author’s native Nigeria and drawing from rich Yoruba mythology
- A story about the power of female friendship over fear and superstition
PRAISE FOR CHILDREN OF THE QUICKSANDS:
‘A joy of a book: rich, warm, powerful storytelling’KATHERINE RUNDELL
‘A thrilling adventure bright with the gorgeous colours of Nigeria – glorious!’JASBINDER BILAN
‘[A] beautifully evoked story’THE TELEGRAPH
‘Traore’s storytelling feels almost otherworldly … exhilarating’ THE TIMES
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