The Concubine is Elechi Amadi's most celebrated work of fiction, having sold nearly half a million copies. In this novel, Amadi paints a picture of pre-colonial life in rural Eastern Nigeria and explores the boundary between myth and reality. Ihuoma is a woman of great beauty and dignity, beloved in a village that remains untouched by colonialism. By all accounts, she should be happy and in love. Yet Ihuoma faces misfortune after misfortune, as somehow, against her will, a mysterious force makes any suitor that she falls in love with meet an inexplicable – and unpleasant – end... Brimming with lyrical prose, jealous gods, and masterful suspense, The Concubine is a tale about Igbo culture and beliefs, and is an unforgettable story full of beauty and tragedy. 'One of the founding generation of African novelists.' Guardian 'A soldier and poet, captive of conscience, human solidarity and justice.' Wole Soyinka 'An outstanding work of pure fiction.' Eldred Jones