Every Day Is For The Thief By Teju Cole : Summary and Theme Analysis
The article covers the summary and theme analysis of the book, “Every Day Is For The Thief” by Teju Cole.
Summary of Every Day Is For The Thief By Teju Cole
Teju Cole’s “Every Day Is For The Thief” is a work of autofiction that first appeared in Nigeria in 2007 and was later published in the US in 2014. The novel unfolds through a picaresque narrative from a first-person perspective, where a narrator closely resembling the author returns to Nigeria after 15 years in the US. His journey is a quest to grapple with Nigerian national identity and to confront his own legacy, revealing unexpected discomfort as he attempts to reacquaint himself with the realities of life in Lagos. Rather than focusing on a linear plot, Cole presents a sensory exploration of the city, capturing discrete moments that collectively depict an authentic and intricate portrait of Lagos.
The story follows an unnamed narrator who travels from New York City back to his hometown of Lagos for the first time in over a decade and a half. He approaches Nigeria from the perspective of an emigrant with tenuous connections to his homeland—his Nigerian father has passed away, and he is estranged from his white mother, who also departed Lagos. The novel unfolds in a non-linear fashion, resembling a travel diary or memoir, as the narrator intertwines observations of Lagosian life with reflections on Nigerian culture, art, and history.
From the outset of his journey, the narrator encounters pervasive corruption. His attempts to obtain a new passport at the Lagosian consulate in New York involve being informed that a bribe is necessary for expedited service. Upon arrival in Lagos, he faces similar demands from an airport worker and experiences firsthand the toll of corruption as a toll booth operator pockets collected fees. He witnesses police officers abusing their authority for personal gain and even stumbles upon the origins of the notorious 419 internet scam during a visit to an internet café. These encounters highlight a system where personal enrichment often supersedes official regulations, leaving the narrator disillusioned and yearning for hope for his homeland.
Amidst the disillusionment, moments of optimism briefly emerge. Conversations with a young relative and a day spent exploring Lagos on the local Danfo public transit system offer glimpses of the city’s vibrancy and resilience. However, these moments are tempered by further tales of corruption and violence, including accounts of tragic deaths due to theft and the exploitation of religious beliefs for financial gain. The narrator grapples with the complexities of Nigerian society, from the enrichment of pastors to educational deficits and societal violence.
As the novel progresses, the narrator’s exploration deepens, revealing cultural oases such as the MUSON Centre for Music Education contrasted with the neglect at the National Museum. Encounters with old friends illuminate the struggles of the middle class, including underpaid professionals and the pervasive threat of violence in daily life. Ultimately, the narrator’s return to the US is marked by lingering reflections on the complexities and contradictions of Lagos, encapsulated in poignant imagery such as carpenters crafting coffins—an evocative symbol of the city’s resilience amidst adversity.
“Every Day Is for the Thief” stands as a poignant and introspective exploration of urban life, identity, and societal challenges in contemporary Nigeria. Teju Cole’s narrative skillfully blends personal reflection with social commentary, offering readers a nuanced portrayal of Lagos that reflects both its vibrant spirit and its enduring struggles. The narrator, amidst the vibrancy and vitality of the city, remains unable to overlook its profound challenges. In search of cultural enrichment, he visits notable establishments like the MUSON Centre, dedicated to fostering music education. However, his enthusiasm wanes upon witnessing the National Museum’s revisionist approach to Nigeria’s history and the exploitation of cultural heritage by government officials. His dismay deepens when he discovers a music store pirating jazz recordings, contrasting sharply with a later discovery of a bookstore and record label striving to build a community around Nigerian art.
Reconnecting with old friends, including his childhood confidant and first love, exposes the struggles of Nigeria’s middle class—where even doctors barely scrape by on meager wages. A harrowing encounter during an attempt to unload goods for a local school, where his family faces threats and violence, solidifies his realization that returning permanently to Lagos would expose him to unbearable turmoil. Surrounded by pervasive corruption, historical amnesia regarding Nigeria’s slave trade, and a culture hesitant to invest in Indigenous innovation, the narrator paints a damning portrait of a nation divided by its tumultuous past, perpetuating internal oppression.
As his departure nears, the narrator succumbs to malaria, a poignant metaphor for Nigeria’s systemic ailments. His friend’s assertion that belief shapes illness echoes broader societal issues, symbolizing the nation’s struggle with self-perception and resilience. Back in the US, sleep eludes him as he reflects on a neighborhood in Lagos where carpenters meticulously craft coffins—a poignant reminder of the city’s resilience amidst adversity and the narrator’s enduring hope for a brighter future.
“Every Day Is for the Thief” by Teju Cole is a compelling work that blends elements of fiction and memoir, offering a poignant exploration of identity, urban life, and societal issues in contemporary Nigeria. Here’s an exploration of the background and context of this influential book.
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Author Background
Teju Cole, born in the US in 1975 to Nigerian parents, spent his formative years in Nigeria before returning to the United States for his education. He has since become a prominent writer, photographer, and art historian, known for his insightful commentary on culture, politics, and identity. Before “Every Day Is for the Thief,” Cole gained recognition for his debut novel “Open City” (2011), which also explores themes of identity and belonging through the lens of a Nigerian immigrant living in New York City.
Publication History
“Every Day Is for the Thief” was initially published in Nigeria in 2007, marking Cole’s literary debut. It was later revised and expanded for its US release in 2014, gaining broader international acclaim. The book’s dual publication reflects Cole’s desire to reach both Nigerian and global audiences, bridging cultural perspectives through his evocative storytelling.
Genre and Style
The book is categorized as autofiction—a genre that blurs the boundaries between fiction and autobiography. Cole’s narrative unfolds through a first-person perspective, closely mirroring his own experiences and observations as a returning emigrant to Lagos after a long absence. This narrative style allows Cole to infuse personal insights and reflections into the fictional framework, offering readers a visceral and authentic portrayal of life in contemporary Nigeria.
Themes and Exploration of Every Day Is For The Thief By Teju Cole
Identity and Belonging
Central to “Every Day Is for the Thief” is the theme of identity and belonging. The unnamed narrator, much like Cole himself, returns to Lagos after 15 years abroad, grappling with feelings of displacement and estrangement. His journey becomes a quest to reconcile his diasporic identity with the complexities of Nigerian national identity and cultural heritage.
Social Critique
The novel serves as a sharp critique of Nigerian society, particularly its political corruption, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and societal inequalities. Through vivid vignettes and observations, Cole exposes the pervasive challenges faced by ordinary Nigerians, from everyday bribery and corruption to systemic neglect of cultural institutions and historical amnesia.
Cultural Exploration
Cole delves into Nigeria’s cultural landscape, juxtaposing moments of cultural vibrancy—such as music performances and literary encounters—with instances of cultural appropriation and exploitation. His exploration of places like the MUSON Centre for Music Education and the National Museum reveals both the resilience and the vulnerabilities of Nigerian cultural heritage.
Reception and Impact
“Every Day Is for the Thief” has been praised for its lyrical prose, evocative imagery, and nuanced portrayal of Lagosian life. It has sparked critical discussions about urban identity, postcolonial legacies, and the complexities of contemporary Nigeria. The book’s exploration of cultural and societal issues resonates not only with Nigerian readers but also with a global audience interested in African literature and diasporic experiences.
Can you identify any other theme in “Every Day Is For The Thief” by Teju Cole? Share them in the comment section.