African writers, whether fiction or non-fiction, have been writing for a long time, however, due to the unfortunate historical context, their work was rarely published or recognised on a global scale.
For a long time, finding a book that accurately represented the African child was a rarity. Fiction books often excluded any representation of the African child, to the extent that the phrases ‘tall, dark and handsome’ or any physical description using the word ‘dark’ referred to a Eurocentric idea of those words. Furthermore, non-fiction books were also written from a European perspective, even when African stories were told.
Fortunately, as of late, there has been a conscious shift in the literature world where authors and readers of literature have called this out and have worked to put more African writers in the same spotlight as their European counterparts.
This shift is an important one as representation, in all aspects of life matters, therefore young African girls and boys need to read about people that look like them, whether the genre is sci-fi or horror.
If you are an avid reader, and have been meaning to get into African literature but do not know where or how to begin or you’re just looking for book recommendations, this is the perfect place for you. Here is a list of 4 books written by African authors that you must have on your reading list.
1. When rain clouds gather
Although originally born in South Africa, Bassie Head is considered one of Botswana’s most prolific and influential writers. In her debut novel, she writes about an unrequited love between Makhaya, a South African political refugee and a native English agricultural expert.
The book received a 3.85 rating on GoodReads.
2. The Wormwood trilogy
Made up of Rosewater, Rosewater Insurrection and Rosewater Redemption, this trilogy is unique and one of the first of its kind to get this much recognition. According to Amazon “Rosewater is the start of an award-winning trilogy set in Nigeria, by one of science fiction’s most engaging voices.”
Written by Tade Thompson, the series follows Kaaro, a government agent with a criminal past as he navigates the town of Rosewater which is situated around the edges of an alien biodome.
Winning the Arthur C. Clarke Award for Best Science Fiction Novel and Best Speculative Fiction Novel, this trilogy is worth a try.
3. Things fall apart
First published in 1958, the novel by Nigerian novelist and poet Chinua Achebe is an important piece of history as it played a pivotal role in the shift mentioned earlier.
“Okonkwo is the greatest wrestler and warrior alive, and his fame spreads throughout West Africa like a bushfire. But when he accidentally kills a clansman, things begin to fall apart. Then Okonkwo returns from exile to find missionaries and colonial governors have arrived in the village. With his world thrown radically off-balance, he can only hurtle towards tragedy,” describes Penguin Random House.
4. Americanah
Written by one of Africa’s most prolific feminist authors, Americanah tells a powerful tale of race and identity.
“Ifemelu and Obinze are young and in love when they depart military-ruled Nigeria for the West. Beautiful, self-assured Ifemelu heads for America, where despite her academic success, she is forced to grapple with what it means to be black for the first time. Quiet, thoughtful Obinze had hoped to join her, but with post-9/11 America closed to him, he instead plunges into a dangerous, undocumented life in London. Fifteen years later, they reunite in a newly democratic Nigeria and reignite their passion—for each other and for their homeland.” Chimamanda’s website explains.
Americanah is licensed for publication in 29 different languages, which is impressive as it increases accessibility to African stories, especially in the Western world.
Also see: South African children’s books to buy
