In this stunning collection, nine Nigerian women discover what it means to confront traditional expectations that have held them hostage for too long.
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 and full of heart, Fetto brings to life the rich diversity of Nigerian women’s experiences in these wide-ranging stories.
BIO
Funmi Fetto is a London-based journalist and editor and is currently the Style Editor at British Vogue. As a digital and print journalist, she has worked and written for numerous publications and organizations including Glamour.com, Vanity Fair, InStyle, Sunday Times Style, Guardian and Tatler. Funmi is the author of the bestselling book Palette: The Beauty Bible for Women of Colour and a columnist at the Observer. Her work largely intersects across art, beauty, culture, race and identity.
REVIEWS
“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. It is a forceful reminder that we are full of grace—so much more than our sexuality, social station, looks, fertility, or marital status. And it is a prayer of the searching soul for true Godly relief.” -- Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond, author of My Parents’ Marriage: A Novel
'Immersive, captivating, and sharply written, Hail Mary fearlessly tackles the taboo, holding up a bold and unflinching mirror. Each woman’s story is richly drawn and deeply compelling—I found myself caring about them all, flaws and all.' -- Lizzie Damilola Blackburn, the New York Times bestselling author of, Yinka, Where is Your Huzband?
'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
[H] Harper / April 08, 2025
0.9" H x 8.4" L x 5.7" W (0.5 lbs) 176 pages