It’s been quite a year for I.O. Echeruo. His debut novel, The Comfort of Distant Stars (Jonathan Ball), was a finalist for the 2026 Orwell Prize for Political Fiction and named one of the Financial Times’ best debut novels of 2026.
Blending physics, philosophy and Igbo cosmology, the coming-of-age story follows gifted young Nigerian Ezeani as visions of the Sun God Anyanwu begin to blur the boundaries of reality. Ian McEwan called the novel “pretty amazing”, while Afua Hirsch described Echeruo as “a hypnotic, mind-bending talent”. The author, who divides his time between Lagos and Accra, tells us about chess, sprinting, Sade and the book he keeps returning to. Spoiler: he wrote it.
What’s the best book you’ve read in the last year and why?
The Comfort of Distant Stars. I have read the book several times over the past 12 months, and each time I find that my focus is on a new feeling or idea. Ezeani’s story is poignant, fraught and sparely told. I should probably mention that it’s my own book. I realise it’s possible that I’m biased.
How do you keep fit?
Sprinting and biking.
Weeknight low-key restaurant go-to?
If you’re in Lagos, it’s Yellow Chilli.
What’s the one artwork you’ll always love and why?
Anyanwu by Ben Enwonwu. I love its grace and complexity.
Do you have a hobby? What is it?
Yes. I love chess.
The one unusual item you can’t live without?
A leather travelling bag.
Who was your high school celeb crush?
Sade.
Three songs you’d take to a desert island?
Suicidal Thoughts by The Notorious B.I.G., Idilio by Willie Colón and The Show Must Go On by Queen.
