The Smell of Dead Things

story by Elisha Oluyemi

art by Deji

 

The Smell of Dead Things is a psycho-philosophical look at a young woman’s life, shaped by the traumatic impact of violent childhood abuse. After her father’s death, she struggles to build a new life. However, one night, the line between past and present spontaneously blurs, and she descends into insanity. In a fit of madness, she returns to her father's house to exorcise the evil that has clung to her. But can there be a fouler darkness than the stench of attachment? The Smell of Dead Things probes the metaphysics of trauma, individuality, and freedom.

About Elisha Oluyemi

Elisha Oluyemi is the founding editor of Fiery Scribe Review, an independent literary magazine. Joint-winner of the Brigitte Poirson Literature Prize for Short Story (2023), winner of the Ikenga Short Story Prize (2023), and a shortlistee for the Isele Short Story Prize (2024), he’s a contributing author for the Love Grows Stronger in Death anthology (Witsprouts, 2024) & Unbound: An Anthology of New Nigerian Poets Under 40 (Griots Lounge, 2024). His speculative poem, Another Beauty of Darkness, was reviewed in Locus Magazine’s Issue 41. Elisha's writing appears in Strange Horizons, Lolwe, Mystery Tribune, Broken Antler, Isele Magazine, The Bitchin’ Kitsch, and elsewhere. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Language, Lagos State University. Elisha’s psychological works tow the planes of memory, existence, and madness. He’s lately crazy about existentialism, individuality, and the darkness of freedom, and is working on a relative speculative novella.

 

About Illino

At Illino, we create African stories that empower, educate and entertain everyone who interacts with them. We push the bounds of language, style and cultural norms in our stories, to translate the multidimensional, multicultural and multigenerational nature of African experiences into stories in English. We invite you to join our journey by subscribing to our mailing list!