Love in a Time of Violence

Love is a recurring theme in the books of Nigerian author Abubakar Adam Ibrahim. In his novel Season of Crimson Blossoms, the unusual relationship between a young criminal and a conservative 55-year-old grandmother takes centre stage.

His latest novel, When We Were Fireflies, is about a man who magically recalls memories from two previous lives and embarks on a journey and encounters the women he loved in those lives. Ibrahim's books are set in northern Nigeria, in a society characterised by violence and unrest, and where religion plays an important role in everyday life.

Is love universal, or do religion and social morality also affect how people feel - or allow themselves to feel? How far are people willing to go to hold on to love?

Abubakar Adam Ibrahim meets Michael Opara for a conversation about religion, literature, love and desire.

The conversation will be in English.