As he works his way through his medical training, Ike Anya's grandmother reassures him, saying:

Everything worthwhile is achieved small by small.

It's the 1990s, a turbulent time in Nigeria's political history, and a young Ike Anya embarks on the journey to qualifying as a medical doctor. In a story that charts the triumphs and failures of his student days through to his first demanding year as a house officer, Anya's sharp wit, gentle humour and abounding curiosity present a medical memoir unlike any from the West. Recalling the vibrancy of tempestuous 1990s Nigeria - the political unrest, social change and worsening economy - Anya also celebrates the friendships, minor rebellions and hard graft of student days.

Small by Small is a deeply intimate memoir imbued with determination, compassion and a love of storytelling.

‘A small miracle of a book. It entertains with delicious storytelling.’ - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie As he works his way through his medical training, Ike Anya’s grandmother reassures him, Everything worthwhile is achieved small by small. Ike’s story charts the triumphs and failures of his student days through to his first demanding year as a house officer. A medical memoir unlike any from the West, this is filled with the colour and vibrancy of tempestuous 1990s Nigeria, where political unrest, social change and a worsening economy make a doctor’s life particularly challenging. ‘Anya’s wit is sharp, his humour gentle and his insights are so clearly based on an abounding curiosity and a deeply held compassion for his fellow humans.’ -Ellah Wakatama