Hail Mary by Funmi Fetto

Hail Mary by Funmi Fetto

* A Harper's Bazaar 'Best New Short-Story Collection' for 2025 * A stunning collection of short stories capturing the lives of nine Nigerian women, each very different, each determined to fight for themselves. Meet Ifeoma. She's been ready to leave her violent husband for some time, but her plans for a quiet departure take an unexpectedly gruesome turn... Nkechi, a housemaid for a rich Lagos family, bears the weight of her Madam's wrath when she discovers her husband's dark secret. In London, Riliwa meets Mary, a guardian angel full of advice, wisdom and practical support as she navigates her unfamiliar new home. But it soon becomes clear that Mary's kindness comes at a price. Passionate, raw, full of heart and humour, these are stories about women who will not be broken by the challenges life puts in their way. 'Wow! I thought this collection was breathtaking. It packs such an emotional punch.' Jessica George, author of Maame

'Immersive, captivating, and sharply written, Hail Mary fearlessly tackles the taboo, holding up a bold and unflinching mirrorEach woman's story is richly drawn and deeply compelling—I found myself caring about them all, flaws and all.' Lizzie Damilola Blackburn, author of Yinka, Where is Your Huzband?

'I finished Hail Mary and wow! I thought this collection was breathtaking. It packs such an emotional punch... I devoured these short yet complex stories about women, their joy as well as their unbelievable heartbreak.' Jessica George, author of Maame

'A collection teeming with vitality, exploring the complex and rich lives of Black women. Funny, intimate and wise.' Irenosen Okojie, author of Curandera

'Funmi's inspired stories are captivating, wholly original, and filled with vivid, unforgettable portraits of Black women. Once you start reading, you won't want to put it down. It's beautiful, potent, and necessary.' Kenya Hunt, author of Girl: Essays on Black Womanhood

'The acclaimed journalist and author of the bestselling beauty bible Palette has now turned her pen to fiction. With Hail Mary comes her debut collection of short stories, examining tradition, faith and expectation through the lives of nine Nigerian women.' Harper's Bazaar

'Immersive, captivating, and sharply written... Each woman's story is richly drawn and deeply compelling.' Lizzie Damilola Blackburn, author of Yinka, Where is Your Huzband?

'Hail Mary, Funmi Fetto’s immersive story collection, is an unflinching observation of how people and systems claiming culture, tradition or religion conspire to lock girls and women in oppressive cycles.' Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond, author of My Parents’ Marriage

'Culturally layered and gripping... Fetto's witty and candid storytelling made this a breathless read, while her vital and heroic protagonists will stay with me forever.' Vanessa Walters, author of The Lagos Wife 

Funmi Fetto, a London-based journalist and editor, is currently the Style Editor at British Vogue. As a digital and print journalist, Funmi's work largely intersects across art, beauty, culture, race and identity. She has worked and written for numerous publications including Vanity Fair, InStyle, Sunday Times Style, FT, Guardian, Telegraph, Tatler, Glamour and Observer – where she writes a weekly column – and is the author of the bestselling book Palette: The Beauty Bible for Women of Colour.

Her short story, 'Unspoken', which is included in this collection, was shortlisted for the V.S. Pritchett Prize. 

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9780861547708
ISBN 10	0861547705
Title	Hail Mary
Author	Funmi Fetto
Condition	Unavailable
Publisher	Oneworld Publications
Year published	2025-04-24
Number of pages	208
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
Note	Unavailable