New Book “Jandals on the Streets of Nigeria” Unveils a Vibrant Kiwi/Nigerian Love Story and Cross-Cultural Tapestry, Now Available Globally

April 22 12:26 2025
New Book "Jandals on the Streets of Nigeria" Unveils a Vibrant Kiwi/Nigerian Love Story and Cross-Cultural Tapestry, Now Available Globally
Jandals on the Streets of Nigeria’s cover photo
New Zealand author Emily Van Garderen’s debut memoir, Jandals on the Streets of Nigeria (Kobo.com), chronicles her year among the Yorubas. Blending Kiwi and Nigerian perspectives, the book uses “jandals” (flip-flops) as a metaphor for resilience, exploring vibrant markets, cultural fusion, and everyday life as a foreigner married to a Nigerian. Emily’s vivid storytelling highlights adaptability, shared humanity, and hope, offering a timely celebration of interconnectedness in a divided world.

Lagos, Nigeria – Apr 22, 2025 – A compelling new literary work, Jandals on the Streets of Nigeria, has officially launched, inviting readers on an evocative journey through the bustling landscapes of Nigeria, framed by the unexpected symbol of resilience: A Kiwi’s Memoir of a Year Among the Yoruba. Now available worldwide as an eBook on Kobo.com, this unique narrative bridges cultures, celebrating the intersections of tradition and modernity, struggle and triumph.

A Story of Resilience and Connection

Jandals on the Streets of Nigeria weaves together rich storytelling and vivid imagery to explore life in Nigeria through the lens of New Zealander as suggested by the term ‘jandal’ (a term colloquially used for flip-flops in New Zealand and beyond). The book delves into the lives of individuals navigating vibrant markets, chaotic streets, and intimate communities, using the jandal as a metaphor for adaptability, shared humanity, and the universal pursuit of hope.

Author Emily Van Garderen, whose background spans international English teaching, crafts a narrative that resonates with authenticity. “This book is a walk through the streets of Nigeria and the unseen stories that are passed on the way,” says Emily Van Garderen.

Why This Book Matters

In a world increasingly divided by borders, Jandals on the Streets of Nigeria offers a timely reminder of our interconnectedness. Readers will discover:

  • Cultural Fusion: The blending of Kiwi slang (“jandals”) with Nigerian settings sparks curiosity about how language and traditions traverse continents.

  • Human Resilience: Intimate portraits of Nigerians thriving amid adversity, reflecting universal themes of perseverance.

  • Vivid Storytelling: Lyrical prose immerses readers in the sights, sounds, and soul of Nigeria’s dynamic urban and rural landscapes.


Availability and Accessibility

The eBook is now available for purchase on Kobo.com, accessible globally in multiple digital formats. Whether read on a commute or from the comfort of home, this book promises to transport and inspire.

Link to the preview: https://www.kobo.com/ww/en/ebook/jandals-on-the-streets-of-nigeria

About the Author

Emily Van Garderen is an international English teacher married to a Nigerian, and her book focuses on untold stories of everyday life in Nigeria as a foreigner and as a Nigerian. Jandals on the Streets of Nigeria is the memoir of her daily life in Nigeria and marks her debut in contemporary literature.

For review copies, interviews, or additional information, please contact below.

Media Contact
Company Name: Jandals On The Streets Of Nigeria
Contact Person: Emily Van Garderen
Email: Send Email
Country: United States
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