Drawing on Nigerian mythology to present a strikingly original variation on a classic literary theme--the existence of "doubles," both real and spiritual, who play havoc with one's perceptions and life--this debut novel is the story of twins and ghosts, and a little girl growing up between cultures and colors.

The audacious first novel from the award-winning and highly acclaimed Helen Oyeyemi.

Jessamy "Jess" Harrison, age eight, is the child of an English father and a Nigerian mother. Possessed of an extraordinary imagination, she has a hard time fitting in at school. It is only when she visits Nigeria for the first time that she makes a friend who understands her: a ragged little girl named TillyTilly. But soon TillyTilly's visits become more disturbing, until Jess realizes she doesn't actually know who her friend is at all. Drawing on Nigerian mythology, Helen Oyeyemi presents a striking variation on the classic literary theme of doubles -- both real and spiritual -- in this lyrical and bold debut.