Oil on Water

Oil on Water is a 2010 petrofiction novel by Nigerian author Helon Habila.[1] The novel documents the experience of two journalists as they try to rescue a kidnapped European wife in the oil landscape of the Niger Delta.[2][3] The novel explores themes of both the ecological and political consequences of oil conflict and petrodollars in the delta.[3][2][4]

The novel was well received. Orion magazine called the novel successful, "a powerful work, one that reaffirms that art done well is always big enough to contain politics".[3] A review in the Guardian called the book a "powerful, accomplished third novel [which] displays a growing pessimism about journalism's capacity to effect change."[2]