Get ready to see revenge like you’ve never seen it before in Rimma Onoseta’s latest release. I recently spoke with her about The Revenge Playbook.
Tell me about your latest book
The Revenge Playbook follows Uyai and Fiyin, two girls (enemies) in an elite Lagos boarding school who come together to get revenge on the boy they both hate. It is an enemies-to-allies story that explores loneliness, bullying, shame, the double standards girls learn to live with from a young age, and of course, revenge.
Why did you decide to write it?
Most people I grew up with attended boarding school, and everyone has a crazy story to tell about that period in their life. Although people’s experiences varied from school to school, there was a common thread that linked all of us, and that was survival. There is so much that young people have to navigate—the spoken and unspoken rules, the hierarchies and the power struggles. I wanted to write a book that reflected the absurdities and the realities of that experience.
How did you come up with the book’s title?
It took a long time and a lot of brainstorming before we settled on a title. I came up with the The Payback Playbook because I liked the alliteration, but my team thought The Revenge Playbook would work better for readers. I think it is a catchy title that perfectly sums up a major plot point of the book.
What’s the nicest thing a reader has ever said to you?
Someone once told me that reading my debut was like reading the story of her life. So many of the things the main character went through were things she had experienced. She let me know that my words made her feel less alone and taught her to be kinder to herself. I think about her often.
When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?
I can’t remember a time I didn’t want to be a writer. Books have been with me through every stage in my life. Libraries and bookstores have always been my safe place. There is no feeling like finding a home in between pages, a home you can fall back into just by cracking open a book. I have always wanted to create worlds people can get lost in.
What author would you love to meet?
Candice Iloh is an incredible writer and their book Every Body Looking is truly a work of art. Candice was a very vocal champion of my debut novel. Their kindness and support meant so much to me. Having someone whose work you admire believe in your words is a feeling like no other. I would love to meet them in person and say thank you.
What books have you read lately and loved?
I recently borrowed an e-copy of Kin by Tayari Jones from my library. I was halfway through Chapter 4 when I knew I had to return it and buy a physical copy. This was a book I needed to hold in one hand while holding a highlighter in the other. I needed to physically feel the words the same way I could feel them in my chest. Tayari is a generational talent, and I am in awe of the way she weaves magic with her words.
What books are at the top of your to-be-read pile?
I’m excited to read Love, Witches and Wahala by Christine Cowan. It’s a cozy romantic fantasy about a Nigerian witch grappling with a curse. I’m also waiting for my copy of Die for Me by Shirlene Obuobi to arrive. I can’t wait to dive into it!
What’s next for you?
I want to explore different genres and age groups. I have so many ideas, so many stories I want to tell. I’m currently working on an adult historical fantasy. It is so different from anything I have ever written, and I am loving every moment of it.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
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To learn more about Rimma Onoseta, visit her website or connect with her on social media.
Website: rimmaonoseta.com
Instagram: @rimmaonoseta
Threads: @rimmaonoseta