Nigerian author Tola Rotimi Abraham’s Black Sunday has been announced a finalist for the 2020 Kirkus Prize in the category of fiction. Abraham is one of four debut authors on the list of six.

Since its inception in 2014, the Kirkus Prize has annually rewarded books of outstanding merit in the category of Fiction, Non-fiction, and Young Reader’s. Winners typically receive $50,000 cash prize and a statuette.

Black Sunday follows the life of twin sisters Bibike and Ariyike who, following their parent’s bitter divorce, find themselves under the care of their grandmother. It is a story of estrangement, loss, and the rocky paths one must face towards the attainment of independence. The book was listed as one of Brittle Paper’s Anticipated Books of 2020.

Abraham reacted to the news on Twitter.

Tom Beer, editor-in-chief of Kirkus Reviews said:

This has been an unprecedented and challenging year for authors, publishers, booksellers, and librarians. We’re thrilled that the Kirkus Prize can help bring attention to 18 books of exceptional merit that deserve the widest possible readership. The diversity and timeliness of all the finalists speak to our present moment, but they will endure as lasting works of literature.

Winners in the various categories will be announced on November 5 at a virtual ceremony hosted by Kirkus CEO Meg LaBorde Kuehn from the Austin Public Library in Austin, Texas.

Go here for the full finalists.

Brittle Paper congratulates Tola Rotimi Abraham.