With Debut Novel, The Bone River, A Writer Unearths Myths and Culture

Yinka Olatunbosun

A heart-warming moment was uncovered on Thursday, November 27 as writer and dentist Nkereuwem Albert formally launched his debut novel, The Bone River, at Ouida Place, Ikeja Lagos. The 391-paged urban fantasy, published by Ouida Books, draws heavily from the history, myths, and cultural traditions of Calabar.

The event was an immersive literary experience, featuring conversations with the author, live readings, a short dramatic performance as well as book signing sessions.

Kicking off with a short drama drawn from the novel, the audience later embark on soul travel with the author as he read from the book’s epilogue, pausing occasionally to explain the magical elements woven into the story, characters he described as “a joy to create.”

Albert explained that writing the story required deep research and personal conversations with custodians of Calabar culture including masquerade groups whose knowledge helped shape the novel’s spiritual world.

“In writing, I wanted to tell readers the things we did to survive pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial eras in Calabar,” he said. “The good, the bad, and the ugly.”

Still, he noted that he approached the task with caution, determined not to offend the very people and traditions he hoped to honour.

“Knowing how much to say, and recognising the line between cultural preservation and exposing secrets that should remain sacred, was important to me,” he said.

The Bone River blends modern life with ancient mysteries. Set in Calabar, it explores identity, belonging, memory, and the hidden forces that shape human lives.

At the centre of the narrative are two powerful female characters: Heych Henshaw, a freelancer fleeing a malevolent god, who reluctantly returns to a city she once swore to abandon; and Afem Aba Ye Duop, the “Hand of Death,” heir to a throne built on bone ash and ancient power, desperate to claim a future beyond what tradition demands of her.

Their paths collide as the old balance—maintained by the “Secret Peace”—begins to crumble, dragging them into a storm of legacy, betrayal, and awakening gods.

Born in Lagos but shaped by his years in Calabar, Albert has been published in respected platforms including Omenana, Fusion Fragment, FIYAH Magazine, and Will This Be a Problem? His talent has earned him the Dream Foundry Prize for Emerging Writers.

Outside writing, he practices as a dentist—an unexpected pairing that he said keeps him grounded.

Founder of Ouida Books, Mrs. Lola Shoneyin, presented Albert with a framed cover of the novel. The celebratory cake-cutting, now a signature part of every Ouida book launch, added a warm, communal touch.

Ouida Books, known for promoting bold African voices and carefully curated international titles, continues to position itself as one of Lagos’ vibrant literary hubs.

With The Bone River, Albert steps into the literary scene with a story that lifts the veil on Calabar’s mysteries inviting readers into a world where power is ancient, loyalty is fragile, and the rivers never stop watching.