Title: Which of your Sons?

Author: Keith T. Richards

Year of Publication: 2026

Number of Pages: 289

Category: Fiction

Some people visit Lagos and never quite understand it. Others fall in love with it. Keith T. Richards clearly belongs to the second group. His love for the city is so obvious that you begin to wonder why he chose to tell this story as a novel instead of a memoir. Then again, he has already written one, Never Quite the Insider: The Nigerian Memoir. Perhaps fiction allowed him to tell a bigger story while borrowing from his own experiences and leaving readers to wonder what is real and what is imagined.

Set mainly in Lagos, with parts of the story unfolding in Enugu, Which of Your Sons? is much more than a story about two cities. It is about identity, family, love, history, vengeance and the unexpected twists life throws at people.

The novel begins with two very different men arriving in Lagos for work. Terry is a former soldier, while Robert is a Black Briton trying to understand a country that feels both familiar and foreign. From the airport, Richards throws readers straight into Lagos. The traffic, the humour, the noise, the chaos and the energy all leap off the pages.

If you have never been to Lagos, this book will leave you with mixed feelings. At first, the city seems intimidating. Then, almost without you noticing, Richards makes you fall in love with it. By the middle of the book, you may even find yourself wanting to book a flight.

One of the best things about this novel is how authentic Lagos feels. Richards doesn’t just mention places; he takes you there. From Ikeja to Ikoyi, Victoria Island to Ajegunle, from luxury neighbourhoods to busy streets, Lagos becomes one of the book’s most unforgettable characters. If you know the city, you’ll smile at the familiar places. If you’ve lived there as an expatriate, you’ll probably recognise parts of your own life. At times, the novel even feels like a memoir wearing the clothes of fiction.

Then Isioma, Robert’s cousin, arrives, and the story opens up even more. Through her, Richards gently introduces readers to Nigerian culture, family traditions and history. The movement between Lagos and Enugu keeps the story fresh. You may even find yourself choosing sides, eagerly waiting for either the Lagos chapters or the Enugu chapters to return.

Richards also trusts his readers. New characters appear, storylines shift and you sometimes wonder, “Why is this person here?” Keep reading. Almost everyone has a purpose. This isn’t a book you can skim. If your mind wanders, you’ll miss something important.

Then comes the romance and unfortunately, with the wrong person. If you’ve ever loved someone you couldn’t have, you’ll understand every awkward conversation, every stolen moment and every difficult decision.

Just when you think you’ve figured the book out, Richards changes direction again. There is suspense, a death and even a curse quietly hidden within the story. Miss a few details and you’ll miss how everything connects. At some point, the novel starts to feel like a Nollywood classic. Mysterious, slightly scary and impossible to look away from. It is entertaining, but it also shines a light on beliefs, traditions and the choices people make because of them.

Another delightful surprise is the music. Several chapters open with Nigerian songs, especially those of Fela Kuti (Richards is obviously a fan), setting the mood before you even begin reading. African proverbs, local expressions and Igbo dialogue make the story feel even more authentic. You can’t help but wonder how much of this Richards actually lived.

If you’re from eastern Nigeria, parts of the Enugu storyline may stir difficult memories. Richards handles these moments with care and respect, allowing history to speak for itself.

Ironically, if the first half of the novel had convinced you that Nigeria should be your next holiday destination, the ending might make you think twice. Richards reminds us that Nigeria is beautiful, fascinating and unforgettable but it also has a darker side.

And then comes the biggest question of all: Why is the book called Which of Your Sons? Even after the final page, you’re still thinking about the title. There are questions Richards deliberately leaves unanswered. Is he planning a sequel? Or does he simply want readers to continue the conversation? Either way, the story stays with you.

By the time you close the book, one thing is certain: Keith T. Richards didn’t just write about Lagos, he understood it, lived it and loved it. Whether you finish the novel wanting to visit Nigeria or feeling a little nervous about doing so, one thing is guaranteed: you won’t stop thinking about this story anytime soon.

About the reviewer

Titilade Oyemade is a business executive in a leading organisation and holds a degree in Russian Language. She’s the convener of the Hangoutwithtee Ladies Event and the Publisher of Hangoutwithtee magazine. She spends her weekends attending women conferences, events and book readings. She loves to have fun and to help other women have the same in their lives. Email: [email protected] Social: @tiipreeofficial