Teju Cole Biography and latest books by Teju Cole

Teju Cole is a Nigerian-American novelist, street photographer, and art historian.

Teju Cole was born in the United States to Nigerian parents. He was raised in Nigeria, and currently lives in Brooklyn, New York. He has authored Every Day is for the Thief (a novella), and Open City (a novel). He is also the Distinguished Writer in Residence at Bard College.

Cole consistently contributed to New York Times, Qarrtsiluni, Chimurenga, the New Yorker, Transition, Tin House, A Public Space, etc.

Every Day is for the Thief is the account of a Nigerian who returns home after living abroad. The book explores themes as diverse as the minor joys of existence to the crudities of corruption.

Open City narrates the story of a young Nigerian doctor who wanders aimlessly. This gives him the opportunity to revaluate his relationships, his breakup with his girlfriend and events in his life. This journey does not change only his physical landscape but also exposes him to various cultures and classes along with the unrecognizable facets of his own soul. The book has a clear, rhythmic voice, with very mature insights. The narrative is very close to a diary, with room for reflection, and repetition.

Teju Cole is now working towards the completion of a non-fiction narrative, and Small Fates, a twitter project.