Cole, Teju: *1975

Every Day Is for the Thief, 2007 - Thematic Parallels: Diaspora

Cole, Teju: Every Day Is for the Thief, 2007
The novel is a reflective, semi-fictional travelogue that examines the tension between belonging and distance, set against the backdrop of modern Nigeria.
The following books are thematically similar. They lend themselves well to being read in groups, compared with one another, or used to teach a similar topic over an extended period with a class:
- Achebe, Chinua: Things Fall Apart, 1958, ~200pp
  Achebe’s novel delves into Nigerian culture, identity, and the impact of external influences (colonialism in this case, versus modernity and diaspora in Cole’s work). It explores personal and societal tensions, with a strong sense of place (Igbo society in Nigeria).
  Both novels highlight tensions between the past and present, and the struggle to preserve or redefine cultural identity. Both texts portray a world unraveling, whether due to colonial intrusion in "Things Fall Apart" or postcolonial dysfunction in "Every Day Is for the Thief."
- Foer, Jonathan Safran: Everything Is Illuminated, 2002, ~110pp
  The novel follows a young American Jew traveling to Ukraine to explore his family’s history, blending personal quest with cultural and historical reflection. Like "Every Day Is for the Thief," it combines elements of memoir, travelogue, and fiction, addressing themes of identity, displacement, and the search for belonging in a foreign yet ancestral land.
  Both works center on a journey back—physically and emotionally—to a place tied to the narrator’s identity and heritage. The act of returning triggers reflection on self, culture, and history.
- Kureishi, Hanif: My Son the Fanatic, 1997, ~70pp
  The topic of "My Son the Fanatic" centers on cultural identity, generational conflict, and religious extremism within an immigrant family. It delves into how religion can both unite and divide, illustrating the clash between Western values and Islamic traditions.
  Both works explore the personal and societal struggles of individuals caught between competing cultural, religious, and moral frameworks, ultimately highlighting the complex legacies of colonialism, modernity, and identity. They explore the tension between traditional/religious identity and modern/secular or Western identity. Characters wrestle with belonging, alienation, and the loss or transformation of cultural values.
- Lahiri, Jhumpa: The Namesake, 2003, ~290pp
  Lahiri’s focus on identity, migration, and the emotional nuances of belonging mirrors Cole’s exploration of these themes. The reflective tone and cultural critique also align closely.
  Both protagonists experience cultural dislocation and a hybrid identity. They feel like outsiders in both their "home" and "adopted" countries. Both books are inward-looking, concerned with the self’s place in a complex, changing world.
List of general discussion questions on Diaspora (pdf)
List of essay prompts on Diaspora (pdf)