Autobiographical?

Readers of open city who know the basics of Teju Cole's life often ask: "Did Open City have autobiographical influences?"

A heap of evidence suggests that yes, Teju Cole drew from his own life experiences to create the Characters and Plot in Open City. He shares many characteristics in common with his character Julius, such as being from Nigeria, immigrating to the United States, and residing in Brooklyn,. Both Julius and Teju Cole have an interest in literature and art. Teju Cole is a published photographer and art historian. For these reasons the book likely has some autobiographical influences.