Super Short Summary

Waiting for an Angel by Helon Habila, published in 2002, follows Lomba, a young aspiring novelist in Lagos under General Sani Abacha’s brutal regime. Lomba’s journey in and out of prison, driven by his determination to write, intertwines with stories of friends and neighbors affected by political oppression. Themes of despair, intellectual subjugation, and resilience unfold against a backdrop of constant governmental crackdown and personal turmoil. The novel features sensitive topics, including political violence, substance abuse, and mental health struggles.