A tale of Nagaland folklore, of eternal darkness and of fulfilling one’s destiny.
Longlisted for the JCB Prize for Literature
‘I harvested community memory of the Naga tribes in their remote village homes to gather the tales that fuel this novel. These stories reflect their spiritual world and while some might think of the stories as fantasy or magical, for the villagers, and for me, they are our reality. From them, I have learned about trusting my own power as a woman, and how a storm of forces are at work behind the observed world of our everyday lives. In Nagaland, we live our lives in great intimacy with the natural world and I hope this novel helps return western readers to such a place of awe for nature.’ – Easterine Kire
A tiger has eaten the sun, plunging Tola’s village into perpetual night time. Her people are confined to their homes, frightened and isolated. A terrible taboo has been violated to cause this disaster. But the wise elder has dreamed of this day, and her grandson Namu is eager to help. Only through journeying into unknown spirit realms, and acting with wisdom and courage, can they get the light back.
Easterine Kire is the first Nagaland novelist to write in English, and draws on real Naga tribal stories for this novel. Spirit Nights includes an essay about these ‘Dark Time Accounts’ and additional informative notes.
Some Blogger Reaction:
‘A beautifully crafted story… Tola was strong, compassionate, fierce and more.’ @thebwordx
‘Naga folklore at its best.’ @rammawi
‘Namu and Tola’s relationship was the beating heart within Spirit Nights.’ @labibliobecca
‘Kire… has captured the essence of what it is to be human.’ @reviewswithmaria
‘An immersive story with a touch of magical realism… Spirit Nights will guide you along.’ @chrysalis11
