Lesley Nneka Nigerian writer wins prestigious Caine prize for “Skinned”

Nigerian writer Lesley Nneka wins prestigious Caine prize for “Skinned”. The Caine prize is awarded to an African writer who has published a short story in English. Lesley Nneka’s winning story, “Skinned,” is about a parallel universe where single women go naked until they are married. Nneka was awarded $12,500 (£10,000) for her story. This is the first time a Nigerian writer has won the Caine prize. Lesley Nneka is a Nigerian writer and the author of two collections of short stories, “Girls Are Coming Out of the Woods” and “The Nakedness of the Fathers.” Lesley Nneka’s stories have been published in Granta, McSweeney’s, and The Paris Review. 

Nneka’s story is a satirical look at the issue of skin bleaching, which is rampant in Nigeria. The story follows the characters of three women who are all trying to achieve the perfect skin tone. Lesley Nneka’s writing is witty and sharp, and her story is a powerful commentary on the issue of how girls wear no clothing at a certain age and go naked until they are claimed by a husband.

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