NECESSARY FICTION

a cover reveal

It’s my birthday tomorrow! But first, today, I’m OVER THE MOON WITH JOY to share the US cover of my next novel, NECESSARY FICTION! Let me tell you, I am beyond happiness, beyond words, beyond Beyond. Things happen when they’re meant to; as they’re meant to. After so much fog, I can see and feel that clearly now.

Read the full feature/exclusive reveal by People Magazine here

Can you see this cover?!?? The first time I met it, I cried. Looking at it made so many parts of the journey feel complete. The delights, the highs, the breakdowns, the doubts, the scares, the long nights, the coming together, the rigor and discipline. So much clarified itself once I saw the image, title and my name together. Suddenly, it was so much more than a manuscript. It was a book. A real one. MY BOOK. The second one. I’m going to be on Instagram (@eloosunde) in a minute shouting about some specific parts of the cover that give me happiness, so please be there. But first, I want to say: I literally cannot imagine a more perfect base than the art you see here by Affen Segun. The jacket design was brought to a fantastic finish by Lauren Peters-Collaer. I’m so grateful for how it turned out!!!

Below is the official synopsis:

Some more informal facts about Necessary Fiction:

— I believe (and say with my chest that) this is some of the best writing I’ve ever done. My voice is stronger than ever. Colder than ever. Wilder than ever. If you already know my work, you know what that means.

— Freedom is applicable everywhere, no matter where you’re from. And this book is ultimately about that. If you’re wondering if it’s for you, it probably is.

Out in hardback July 22nd 2025 via @riverheadbooks, you can PREORDER NOW to get it on or before the day it drops. No delays. No waiting. Straight to you the second it’s ready, because you’re hot like that ♨️❤️‍🔥✨

Link here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/760792/necessary-fiction-by-eloghosa-osunde/

I’ll be announcing two other territories shortly, so if you’re elsewhere in the world, there’ll be more word soon.

I’m immeasurably more proud of this work than I can say, and have felt so encouraged by your (im)patience & trust since I first told you its name. Thank you so much for always putting your $ where your love is when it comes to me. I love you for knowing the difference that makes to me as an artist. I’m learning to be more and more open about my ambitions for the art I put out into the world. So I’m stating clearly here (as I have already done with family and friends and before God) that I want this work to travel even farther than my debut did, so your support goes a long way for me. And I count it the highest honor to once again be able to get my best work into your hands!

Please celebrate with me today by spreading the word and boosting this cover anywhere you see it because I want to feel EVERYTHING!!! Tell a friend to tell a lover to tell a foe to tell a stranger that Necessary Fiction is Coming.

Because it is. It is. It FINALLY is.