Category: African Literature
Dazzling Mirage by Olayinka Abimbola Egbokhare
Dazzling Mirage achieves what few other works of Nigerian literature have accomplished: a thorough examination of the challenges faced by sickle cell patients in Nigeria.
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
In Homegoing, we journey with the descendants of two sisters as Yaa Gyasi weaves a compelling tale of life in colonial Ghana, the blood-strumming struggle that birthed a nation.
Swallow; Efunsetan Aniwura by Ayodele Olofintuade
Focusing primarily on the enigmatic figure of Efunsetan and her star-crossed lover, Efunporonye, “Swallow; Efunsetan Aniwura” tells a story of destiny, love, and passion.
No One Dies Yet by Koby Ben Ben
One thing I loved about No One Dies Yet, which I commend the author for, is his integration of queer characters.
The Middle Daughter by Chika Unigwe
In The Middle Daughter, we learn that there is fragility and compassion in dealing with people who are consumed by grief, especially the ones who do not know how to carry on life.
Convergence Problems by Wole Talabi
Convergence Problems by Wole Talabi was absolutely stunning from start to finish. Every short story could possibly be expanded by 200 or more pages, but nothing was overdone.
No One Dies Yet by Kobby Ben Ben
I lived in Ghana for four years, and No One Dies Yet took me down memory lane with vivid descriptions of the Makola market and the delightful Twi language.
The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi
The Death of Vivek Oji has rich themes. Themes that cut across both generations, ones that cannot be overlooked or even taken away from the story if you wanted to.
The Son of the House Cheluchi Onyemelukwe-Onuobia
The Son of the House is built around strong female characters, women who take center stage while the men do very little and stay in the background.
And Then He Sang a Lullaby by Ani Kayode Somtochukwu
And Then He Sang a Lullaby raises vital questions about love’s authenticity and confronts hate, impunity, and violence against queer individuals.
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
Homegoing beautifully explores the life of two half-sisters who never even got the chance to know one another.
Rootless by Krystle Zara Appiah
The central theme for me is motherhood. Efe’s experience shows how nobody can prepare you for what to expect when it comes to being a mother.
The Middle Daughter by Chika Unigwe
I read this because I loved Chika’s debut novel and couldn’t wait to get into it. For me, this didn’t top it, but it was a good read.
Promise Boys by Nick Brooks
The depth in the narrative makes you wish for a smoother life for these characters, showcasing the author’s ability to evoke strong emotions
What Is African Literature?
African literature embraces inclusivity, harnessing words as a medium to impart wisdom, preserve truths, and honor ancestral struggles.
What Happened to Janet Uzor by Miracle Emeka-Nkwor
I don’t find What Happened to Janet Uzor very hair-raising thrilling, but it has ENOUGH suspense to get you flipping.
When We Were Fireflies by Abubakar Adam Ibrahim
When Babayo was murdered on a train in Jos, on his way to Lagos with the love of his life by a rival, he found [more…]
The List by Yomi Adegoke
The List delves into the murky territory of the possibility of false accusations and the effects of these false accusations on people.