Skin as Psyche: Epidermal Modes of Narration in Nigerian Diaspora Literature

This essay argues that Nigerian diaspora literature formulates epidermal modes of narration, in which metaphorical skins represent psyches and the cognitive effects of the diaspora are translated into bodily sensations experienced through these “skins.” Taking its lead from turns toward embodiment in recent trauma theory and phenomenological race studies, this essay seeks to reveal the literary, expressive potential of this fraught bodily surface. By undertaking a reading of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s novel Americanah (2013) and Afam Akeh’s poetry collection Letter Home and Biafran Nights (2012), this essay traces the stories told by skin. Firstly, as connective tissue, epidermal modes of narration forge connections between past and present, Nigeria and diaspora. Secondly, images of damaged and vulnerable skin narrate traumatic encounters in the diaspora, often in instances where words fail Adichie and Akeh’s characters. Finally, skin’s regenerative potential tells of the strengthening of characters’ consciousnesses, both in Nigeria and its diaspora.