Credit: Jon Osibo
SHANI AKILAH
Agent: Sian Ellis-Martin
Biography: Shani Akilah is a Black British Caribbean writer and screenwriter from South London. She is a book influencer, co-founded the Nyah Network, a book club for Black women, and was a literary judge for the Nota Bene Prize 2023. Shani has a Masters degree in African Studies from Oxford University.
Oneworld published Shani’s debut short story collection, FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS, in June 2024.
FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS
Short stories, 192 Pages, Magpie (Oneworld), June 2024
Gabby and Jonathan cross paths at the wedding of a mutual friend. They both wonder if this could be the start of something, but fate has other ideas.
When Niah tries to call out her employer for their empty words about diversity and inclusion, she comes face to face with racism reaching right to the very top.
Sharna is holding onto her own secret when she sets out for Jamaica to visit her grandfather, on a trip that throws fresh light onto the family history she has always taken for granted.
Shani Akilah’s stunning collection brings to life the stories of Black-British Londoners as they explore friendship and romance, community and independence, and navigate their way through the relationships that make them who they are.