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The Fishermen: A Novel Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Chigozie Obioma (Author), Chukwudi Iwuji (Narrator), Hachette Audio (Publisher)
4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 3,367 ratings
Goodreads Choice Award nominee
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In a Nigerian town in the mid-1990s, four brothers encounter a madman whose mystic prophecy of violence threatens the core of their close-knit family.

Told from the point of view of nine-year-old Benjamin, the youngest of four brothers, The Fishermen is the Cain and Abel-esque story of an unforgettable childhood in 1990s Nigeria, in the small town of Akure. When their strict father has to travel to a distant city for work, the brothers take advantage of his extended absence to skip school and go fishing. At the ominous, forbidden nearby river, they meet a dangerous local madman who persuades the oldest of the boys that he is destined to be killed by one of his siblings.

What happens next is an almost mythic event whose impact - both tragic and redemptive - will transcend the lives and imaginations of its characters and its listeners. Dazzling and viscerally powerful, The Fishermen never leaves Akure, but the story it tells has enormous universal appeal. Seen through the prism of one family's destiny, this is an essential novel about Africa with all of its contradictions - economic, political, and religious - and the epic beauty of its own culture.

With this bold debut, Chigozie Obioma emerges as one of the most original new voices of modern African literature, echoing its older generation's masterful storytelling with a contemporary fearlessness and purpose.

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  1. Listening Length
    9 hours and 51 minutes
  2. Author
    Chigozie Obioma
  3. Narrator
    Chukwudi Iwuji
  4. Audible release date
    April 14, 2015
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    Hachette Audio
  7. ASIN
    B00V75PDJ0
  8. Version
    Unabridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
  10. See all details
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Product details

Listening Length 9 hours and 51 minutes
Author Chigozie Obioma
Narrator Chukwudi Iwuji
Audible.com Release Date April 14, 2015
Publisher Hachette Audio
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B00V75PDJ0
Best Sellers Rank #141,396 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#1,111 in Coming of Age Fiction (Audible Books & Originals)
#2,758 in Family Life Fiction (Audible Books & Originals)
#4,785 in Literary Fiction (Audible Books & Originals)

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
3,367 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the story engaging and well-written. They appreciate the cultural insights and vibrant visuals. The book explores family dynamics and political aspects, providing a moving account of life in Nigeria. Readers praise the authentic portrayal of characters and their development. Overall, customers describe the book as an intriguing read that holds their interest.

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Story qualityWriting qualityInsightVisual qualityFamily historyCharacter developmentInterestHeartfelt story
94 customers mention "Story quality"83 positive11 negative

Customers find the story engaging with an interesting plot and cultural themes. They describe it as a clever, touching, and confronting novel. The situations are intriguing and the narrative explores belief and how it can change one's perspective.

"...Honestly, I'm awed by Obioma's ability to entertain me and keep me enthralled in the story, while simultaneously giving me philosophical food for..." Read more

"...inherent in navigating post-colonial life side-by-side with a beautifully tragic story about a normal Nigerian family, the comparison can't be denied." Read more

"...is fresh, it evokes a totally different culture, and the situations are intriguing...." Read more

"...Another positive point of the story was that the plot was interesting and kept the reader engaged all while incorporating African culture...." Read more

69 customers mention "Writing quality"59 positive10 negative

Customers enjoy the writing quality of the book. They find the story well-told, with beautiful language and a captivating narrative. The author has a special voice and creates a lively yet poignant tale.

"...The novel is also beautifully written, with language that is poetic without being pretentious...." Read more

"...waters." The story is beautifully written and I recommend this book as an extremely good read with some very funny passages, albeit tragic...." Read more

"...In addition to his masterful writing, Obioma uses historical figures and events during the political turmoil of 1990s Nigeria to signal the time..." Read more

"This book has been given a lot of praise, and I can see why. The writing is fresh, it evokes a totally different culture, and the situations are..." Read more

40 customers mention "Insight"40 positive0 negative

Customers find the book provides a moving account of a culture few know much about. They find the story telling engaging and reflective of Nigerian folklore and eccentricities. The language is beautiful without being overly verbose, and the book keeps readers interested on many different levels. Readers describe it as an exciting blend of African history and the marriage of worlds.

"...The narrative is specific but the themes are universal. The truth is, stories affect us...." Read more

"...written passages with honesty and humor that I loved, reflecting any family situation with four young lads in it...." Read more

"...plot was interesting and kept the reader engaged all while incorporating African culture...." Read more

"...The novel is richly textured with layers of imagery and symbolism which leads the readers attention beyond the confines of one family to the uneasy..." Read more

17 customers mention "Visual quality"17 positive0 negative

Customers find the book visually appealing. They praise the vivid narrative, colorful cover, and rich imagery that depicts Nigeria in an engaging way. The book offers a realistic portrayal of the country.

"...The Fisherman brings this truth to light through a vibrant, compelling narrative...." Read more

"...The novel is richly textured with layers of imagery and symbolism which leads the readers attention beyond the confines of one family to the uneasy..." Read more

"...loss, hope, boredom and peer pressure are beautifully interspersed throughout this piece...." Read more

"...Vey well written.It reminds me of The Kite Runner because of the beautiful, insightful language and insights...." Read more

15 customers mention "Family history"15 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the family history and political aspects interwoven with it. They find the characters, family dynamics, and relevant Nigerian history engaging. The story provides a glimpse into another culture's childhood and cultural mores instilled in children through fables, superstition, and community. It explores the complicated relationship between siblings and the voices that direct all of it. They describe the book as an amazing glimpse into the childhood of another culture and the cultural mores invested in children through fads, superstitions, and community.

"...madmen, betrayal, and cursed rivers, but also by exploring grief, family, post-colonialism, immigration, religion, and the question of whether our..." Read more

"...The writing is fresh, it evokes a totally different culture, and the situations are intriguing...." Read more

"...Obioma does a remarkable job of making the story feel universal and folkloric...." Read more

"...Achebe because of his writing acumen in translating and capturing complex political events amidst parables and fables..." Read more

12 customers mention "Character development"10 positive2 negative

Customers appreciate the book's character development. They find the characters realistic and authentic, with a cultural authenticity that builds the narrative well. The portrayal of a Nigerian boy is insightful and honest, and the atmosphere evokes mythic elements.

"...The details were very specific and added insight to each character’s personality as each of them were described at the beginning of the chapters...." Read more

"An Intimate, introspective, insightful and painfully honest portrayal of a Nigerian boy, a West African boy, coming of age...." Read more

"...The book almost made me cry several times. The characters were so real to me...." Read more

"...His prose is commanding and powerful, and the atmosphere he creates strongly evokes the mythic...." Read more

12 customers mention "Interest"12 positive0 negative

Customers find the book intriguing and engaging. They describe it as a compelling first novel that keeps them turning the pages. The story is full of unexpected twists and exploration, with clear, song-like rhythms that keep them hooked.

"...and traditional beliefs contribute to the creation of a dynamic literary world that gives the reader an in-depth view of Akure and the experiences..." Read more

"...point of the story was that the plot was interesting and kept the reader engaged all while incorporating African culture...." Read more

"...Fun, exploration, loss, hope, boredom and peer pressure are beautifully interspersed throughout this piece...." Read more

"...men down their individual journeys is interesting and will keep you turning the pages...." Read more

31 customers mention "Heartfelt story"21 positive10 negative

Customers have different views on the story. Some find it emotional and poignant, with a beautiful mix of humor and tragedy. Others feel it's too dark, too dense, and fails to engage them emotionally.

"...There are some beautifully written passages with honesty and humor that I loved, reflecting any family situation with four young lads in it...." Read more

"An Intimate, introspective, insightful and painfully honest portrayal of a Nigerian boy, a West African boy, coming of age...." Read more

"...Finally, the book is unrelentingly sad. It made me despair for the characters as well as their country...." Read more

"...Like Kite Runner, this book provides a personal, moving account of a culture that most people know little about...." Read more

Not what you might think.
5 out of 5 stars
Not what you might think.
Opened the contemporary Nigerian culture door.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Trilbe Wynne
    5.0 out of 5 stars A story about stories
    Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    I read a lot but I don't write many reviews because, in most cases, other reviewers have already said everything that I would say. With The Fishermen, though, I want to point out that this novel isn't just about Nigeria. This novel provides smart narrative insight into the way that stories affect human lives. The novel, which is set in Nigeria in the 1990s, revolves around a Nigerian family (and the story is also an allegory of Nigeria's political history) but the implications in this novel can be seen in human dynamics anywhere in the world and at any time in history. The narrative is specific but the themes are universal.

    The truth is, stories affect us. We become invested in the stories we're told and our investment comes with consequences. The Fisherman brings this truth to light through a vibrant, compelling narrative. At times, I felt sorry for the brothers in this story or I was angry at them. At other times, I was happy for them or hopeful. What's important to me is that, from beginning to end, I always felt something. The Fishermen explored several profound philosophical themes, but the author didn't neglect the characters or sacrifice the basic narrative while looking more deeply into the human condition.

    I try to read literary fiction more often than popular fiction because I'm human, so I'm always looking for intellectual growth. Unfortunately, a lot of contemporary literary fiction is more concerned with deploying literary themes than with crafting a strong and compelling narrative. The Fishermen is a wonderful work that doesn't sacrifice entertainment while giving the reader enlightenment. Honestly, I'm awed by Obioma's ability to entertain me and keep me enthralled in the story, while simultaneously giving me philosophical food for thought. The novel is also beautifully written, with language that is poetic without being pretentious. I bought this book for myself on Amazon, but it feels like a gift.
    143 people found this helpful
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  • Noeleen Mc Eneaney
    4.0 out of 5 stars A novel not to be missed.
    Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    This novel about a young family in war-torn Nigeria in the 90's is a wonderful but tragic read. It is about four brothers who have a baby sister and very strict and religious parents. Written by the 10 year old Ben it tells how the family's world changed dramatically when their father has to go away to work, while mom is left home to mind four feisty boys, a baby and the little business they have. The boys try to amuse themselves within the compound in which they live with football, playing "as if unhinged, frequently volleying the balls into neighboring houses, and embarking on botched attempts to retrieve them" which were usually unsuccessful. After losing too many balls, they gave up this past-time and decided to follow their brother Ikenna and go fishing. There is a hint of the apostles following Jesus which reflects the deeply religious influences in their family, and it's from this point as they meet a disturbing figure at the river, and the simultaneous departure of their father that the slow disintegration of their young lives as they knew it, begins.
    There are some beautifully written passages with honesty and humor that I loved, reflecting any family situation with four young lads in it. I was transported to a river that smelled of "bracken waters and winged insects gathered in blobs around the banks every evening and the nauseating sight of algae and leaves that formed the shape of a map of troubled nations at the far end of the riverbank where varicose trees dipped into the
    waters."
    The story is beautifully written and I recommend this book as an extremely good read with some very funny passages, albeit tragic. The ending was slightly abrupt for me and I had to re-read it several times to get the gist of it. An excellent novel which I thoroughly enjoyed.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Bitner
    5.0 out of 5 stars An easy read, but not a simple one.
    Reviewed in the United States on November 21, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    An easy read, but not a simple one, The Fishermen is a novel by Nigerian writer Chigozie Obioma. He uses his experiences growing up in Akure as a member of the Igbo community to create a captivating story about four brothers and their fateful decision to go to a forbidden river and fish. This coming-of-age novel is narrated by one of those brothers, Benjamin. He tells their story from two perspectives: those from his view as a nine-year old during the ensuing chaos, and his reflections on the events as an adult. Obioma's fusion of these viewpoints creates a rich and complex story that utilizes both literal and symbolic interpretations of the brothers' situation.

    In addition to his masterful writing, Obioma uses historical figures and events during the political turmoil of 1990s Nigeria to signal the time period in which his story is taking place. However, he doesn't let these events detract from the focus of the novel: the relationships between the four brothers. A multitude of Igbo proverbs, the integration of Igbo and Yoruba phrases, cultural and international touchstones, and the combination of Christian and traditional beliefs contribute to the creation of a dynamic literary world that gives the reader an in-depth view of Akure and the experiences of its people.

    The Fishermen not only drives the plot through prophecies, madmen, betrayal, and cursed rivers, but also by exploring grief, family, post-colonialism, immigration, religion, and the question of whether our fate is determined for us or if we create our fate by trying to avoid it at all costs. Obioma makes numerous references to Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart in addition to numerous other African and Western myths and literature. He has been hailed as the "heir to Achebe", and given his skill depicting the contradictions and difficulties inherent in navigating post-colonial life side-by-side with a beautifully tragic story about a normal Nigerian family, the comparison can't be denied.
    5 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Nina
    5.0 out of 5 stars Narrated by Ben, a window on fraternal love
    Reviewed in Mexico on December 9, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    A story of the effect of a curse by a madman on a family, shown through the eyes of a child. Engrossing and fascinating.
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  • Peter Pazul
    5.0 out of 5 stars Sublime
    Reviewed in France on May 23, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Si l’on ne tient pas compte du tout dernier chapitre, écrit par le narrateur six ans après « l’année fatidique », le roman se déroule sur un peu plus d’une année. Ce narrateur c’est Ben (Benjamin) ; il a dix ans quand commence cette histoire, en 1996, et il vit à Akure, une petite ville du sud-ouest du Nigeria, où apparemment est né l’auteur lui-même en … 1986 précisément, bien qu’il ait entretemps émigré aux USA où il enseigne la littérature.

    Ben est le quatrième enfant d’une fratrie de six.L’aîné, c’est Ikenna, 15 ans en 1996. Le deuxième, c’est Bojo, né un an après Ikenna et qui partage avec lui la même chambre.Puis vient Obembe, 12 ans et enfin Benjamin, 10 ans.
    Oui, dix ans, n’oubliez pas son âge, quand vous lirez son récit.
    Les parents sont James Agwu, fonctionnaire, et Paulina Adaku Agwu, qui reste à la maison, et s’occupe du ménage, quand elle ne va pas au marché vendre quelques légumes de son potager.
    Ils ont encore eu deux autres enfants après les quatre premiers, une fille (qui deux ans au moment où commence cette histoire) et un autre garçon, encore bébé, mais tous deux ne prennent qu’une place marginale dans le récit.
    Il faut savoir que le Nigeria a été jusqu’en 1960 une colonie britannique (« Ce sont eux qui ont établi les ‘lignes’ que sont frontières » dira Benjamin à un moment) et qu’après le ‘départ’ des Britanniques, l’anglais est (resté) la langue de communication dans tous les rapports formels et/ou officiels et apparemment aussi dans les contacts entre les différentes ethnies qui composent le pays, parce que comprendre une des trois langues indigènes (sur les plus de 50 officiellement reconnues) se signifie pas qu’on peut s’exprimer avec la même aisance dans une des deux autres, bien évidemment.
    Alors que la mère Paulina utilise l’igbo au quotidien (la langue de son ethnie dans laquelle les métaphores font partie du langage usuel), elle ne se sent pas vraiment à l’aise dans l’autre langue parlée dans sa maison : le yoruba, une langue de communication quotidienne à l’école - en plus de l’anglais - une langue que parlent en outre, les frères entre eux, à la maison, même si évidemment, ils pratiquent aussi l’igbo de leur mère.
    Le père a un emploi dans une filiale de la banque nationale, située à près de 1000 kms d’Akure (15 heures de voiture) et il ne peut donc rentrer chez lui que tous les quinze jours.
    Il est totalement convaincu que c’est par la scolarité que les fils arriveront à quelque chose dans la vie et il a de grandes ambitions pour eux, il veut en faire des « pêcheurs de savoirs et d’idéaux », ce qui leur garantira un bel avenir.
    Mais le voilà obligé de partir à l’étranger pour très longtemps : il doit se recycler et ne pourra que communiquer le week-end par téléphone avec sa famille. Il a délégué sa responsabilité de « père de famille » à l’aîné Ikenna, mais c’est trop lourd au quotidien pour les épaules de l’aîné qui n’a que quinze ans.
    Le lecteur apprend, qu’après l’arrivée des missionnaires «occidentaux», le fleuve Omi-Ala qui coule à la périphérie de la ville (et sur les berges duquel auparavant avaient lieu des rites indigènes, perçus comme maléfiques par les nouvelles autorités), ce fleuve donc a été frappé de l’interdiction d’y séjourner entre six heures du matin et six heures du soir, mais bien évidemment, cela n’empêche pas une secte d’y pratiquer encore une sorte de culte animiste, ce que la population locale est loin d’ignorer ...
    Il faut ajouter qu’en outre, comme on l’imagine, les superstitions continuent à régler et à hanter le quotidien de la population. Dès lors, les conséquences sont catastrophiques lorsqu’on viendra dénoncer auprès de Paulina Adaku Agwu ce que d’autres savent aussi : ses quatre fils vont régulièrement pêcher dans l’Omi-Ala et revendent parfois des poissons au marché d’Akure.
    En effet, ils ont trouvé ce nouveau passe-temps depuis six semaines, même que l’aîné a un jour été pris à partie par une sorte de chaman qui était venu leur reprocher leurs cris et leurs chants et que, contrairement à l’enthousiasme des 3 plus jeunes, il ne voulait plus y aller.
    Trop tard évidemment. Trop tard et la sanction du père (il a un fouet redoutable composé de plusieurs lanières de cuir) est terrible, une sanction dont est particulièrement victime l’aîné qui n’a pas assumé ses responsabilités. Trop tard aussi, parce que le lecteur apprendra plus tard que les frères ont un jour rencontré au bord de la rivière un certain ABULU, un "fou" local vivant d’expédients et passant la nuit dans un vieil autobus abandonné, connu et craint de tous, qui (c’est du moins ainsi que cela sera interprété) a jeté un sort sur Ikenna.
    Un sort très particulier, que je choisis de ne pas révéler ici. Parce qu’on ne se moque pas de ses histoires-là, et d’ailleurs il se raconte que la police a régulièrement fait appel aux services de ce "fou" pour démêler des enquêtes sur des meurtres qui autrement seraient restés impunis.
    L’histoire de la pêche avait fini par être « racontée » à la mère par Boja, forcé à parler par les circonstances mais Ikenna avait refusé de se rendre à l’église pour se faire exorciser : en effet, ce n’est que le pasteur qui peut réfuter les prophéties venant du diable, mais « la peur de mourir va enfermer Ikenna dans un cage dont il sera irrémédiablement captif » et elle va le dépouiller de sa sérénité, de son équilibre, de ses relations, de sa santé et même de sa foi.
    Et tout comme dans la tragédie grecque, alors que le héros fait tout ce qui lui est possible pour s’écarter de sa destinée, c’est précisément en s’en écartant qu’il va à sa rencontre.

    Les techniques de narration sont extraordinairement bien maîtrisées, le narrateur - sous lequel se cache l’auteur évidemment - aiguise très régulièrement la curiosité du lecteur en décrivant des événements, sur lesquels il revient et qu’il explique alors plus loin dans le récit, et on découvre que les chapitres ont - tous - des noms (métaphoriques) d’animaux (qui en disent tellement plus sur les personnages que des mots ne pourraient le faire); les événements s’enchainent comme dans une tragédie, toutes les pièces du puzzle savamment déposées dans les différentes parties du récit trouvent leur place, le tout sur l’arrière-fond de la très réelle situation politique instable du Nigéria fin des années quatre-vingt-dix et début du XXIe siècle!
    Pour ma part, je suis resté scotché au texte, je voulais absolument connaître ce qu’étaient devenus les personnages et j’avais développé une extraordinaire empathie pour toute la fratrie, m’étant cru finalement dans un récit authentique. Mais était-ce à tort ?
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  • Adrian
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book
    Reviewed in Canada on April 18, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Everything about this book was great. The plot, the characters and the sense of place were fantastic. If you want a great read..order this book.
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  • Gill Lewin
    5.0 out of 5 stars very evocative
    Reviewed in Australia on September 20, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This book was written in such a way that I could clearly visualise the family home and social context and understand how and why everyone responded as they did. It provided a fascinating insight into Nigerian life and culture.
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  • @increlibrile
    5.0 out of 5 stars fantastico!
    Reviewed in Italy on December 2, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Mi è piaciuto davvero moltissimo. Sembra di essere davvero in Nigeria, ad osservare le gioie e le disgrazie di questa famiglia Igbo. I personaggi sono descritti in modo così vivido e realistico che hanno preso vita davanti ai miei occhi. Ho pianto vere lacrime in alcuni momenti. Uno scrittore eccezionale ed una storia che profuma di Africa, di spiriti e di tradizione.
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