CONVERGENCE PROBLEMS

Book cover of "Convergence Problems" by Wole Talabi. The cover features stylized, abstract illustrations of people, planets, stars, and circuit-like patterns in purple, black, gold, and white, with text indicating the story includes Hugo, Nebula, and Locus award-nominated work."

A stunning new collection of stories that investigate the rapidly changing role of technology and belief in our lives as we search for meaning, for knowledge, for justice; constantly converging on our future selves.

Two gold laurel wreaths on a purple background, one labeled 'Nommo Award' and the other 'BFA Finalist'.
Two gold laurel wreaths with text: 'Locus Award Finalist' and 'Nebula Award Finalist'.

From the Hugo, Nebula, Locus and Nommo award nominated author of Shigidi and The Brass Head Of Obalufon comes a stunning new collection of stories that investigate the rapidly changing role of technology and belief in our lives as we search for meaning, for knowledge, for justice; constantly converging on our future selves.

In “An Arc of Electric Skin,” a roadside mechanic seeking justice volunteers to undergo a procedure that will increase the electrical conductivity of his skin by orders of magnitude. In “Blowout,” a woman races against time and a previously undocumented geological phenomenon to save her brother on the surface of Mars. In “Ganger,” a young woman trapped in a city run by machines must transfer her consciousness into an artificial body and find a way to give her life purpose.

In “Debut,” a Nairobi-based technical support engineer tries to understand what is happening when an AI art system begins malfunctioning in ways that could change the world.

The sixteen stories of Convergence Problems, which include work published for the first time in this collection, rare stories, and recently acclaimed work, showcase Talabi at his creative best: playful and profound, exciting and experimental, always interesting.

Praise for Convergence Problems

“A jaw-dropping collection….Beautiful, vibrant, and electrifying, this has the makings of a modern classic.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review), and a Publishers Weekly Top Ten Spring 2024 Roundup pick

“For fans of Margaret Atwood’s dystopian works and P. Djèlí Clark’s speculative fiction, Convergence Problems provides an Afrocentric sf narrative that is sure to captivate.” —Raychel Bennet, Booklist (starred review)

“Written with an emotional economy few storytellers can master….A fascinating and riveting exploration of what the future may hold—for better or worse.” Kirkus

“Wole Talabi’s Africanfuturist collection recontextualizes folklore within mostly sci-fi trappings.” —Natalie ZutterLitHub

Interviews & Media Mentions

Poster with a blue background and a neon outline illustration of a human face with circuitry patterns. The text reads: 'Convergence Problems' in large yellow letters, and above in green: 'Includes Hugo, Nebula and Locus-Award nominated story "A Dream of Electric Mothers"