5 Books by African Writers You Must Read
African literature depicts the most crucial sentiments and understanding of postcolonial life in the most subtle way. And yet, African literature sits scantily on the reading list of someone outside this great continent. So, if you are a fan of diverse culture, indigenous values and rich experience, you must to African writings. There has never been a better way to start than now. Below are 5 African writers that you must read to understand Africa’s contemporary soci0-political scenario and intellectual development.
Things Fall Apart– Published in 1958, the famous work by Chinua Achebe is a devastating depiction of clash between traditional tribal values and effect of colonial rule. Achebe is a noted literary critic noted for his analysis of Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness”, where he clearly criticizes the rampant racism through its othering of African nation and its people.
The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born – Published in 1968, the novel centers around an unnamed protagonist who attempts to understand his self and his country in the wake of post-independence. Ayi Kwei Armah’s novels are known for their intense, powerful depictions of political devastation and social frustration in Armah’s native Ghana, told from the point of view of the individual. His works were greatly influenced by French existential philosophers, such as Jean Paul Sartre and Albert Camus, and as such hold themes of despair, disillusionment and irrationality.
Milk Fever by Megan Ross is a refreshing vent into the world of magical poetry which subtly opens up into the world of humanism. The description of the book reads: “Hallucinatory, image-wet, and navigating the eternal tides of spirit and body, Milk Fever is a chimeric dreamscape in which a woman reconfigures, remembers and rebirths herself.”
House of Stone– Published in February 2019, this book is an epic story about Zimbabwean culture and native life structure. Novuyo Tshuma gives just that in her new book that spans 50 years, shifting how we read, invent, and rediscover national histories. The book follows Zamani, a lodger in the Mlambo’s house, who helps the Mlambo’s search for their missing son Bukhosi and in the process ends up inhabiting the Mlambo’s home and their family history.
Sunny and the Mysteries of Osisi– by Nnedi Okorafor is a fabulous combination of magic fantasy and realism and depicts how the powers of a common girl can achieve and do wonders. This is the sequel to her widely acclaimed novel, What Sunny in the Flames, which was a best seller all over the world with more than 1000 copies selling in Nigeria alone.
You are going to have a rich insight into African life and experience if you read these books. If you are outside Africa, you are most likely to not find them in your nearby bookstores. Do not give up! Just some basic search through online retailers like Amazon, Wallmart or Kobo will quench your thirst for a brand new reading experience.
Happy reading!
Hi, Anjita! I am the author of “From the Heart of Africa” (self published) and I have been wondering how this book would finally reach Indian readers. It is a collection of short very exiting stories from Rwanda.
I can send you a hard copy of the same if you tell me where to send it. I am currently in Rwanda.
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