Elsie UdohIf you’re an adept reader or just someone looking to expand their vocabulary or reading abilities, then the African literary scene has many great books that can help you do just that.
This industry is populated with writers across the continent and the diaspora who are dedicated to producing powerful works that capture the essence of African identity and history as well as teach great lessons.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelWhether you love fiction, memoirs, poetry, or socio-political commentary, there’s a book waiting to captivate you.
Here’s a carefully curated list of some of the best African books you should be reading right now.
10 African Books You Should Read
1. Ghostroots: Stories by ‘Pemi Aguda
This book was a finalist for the National Book Award for Fiction. Pemi Aguda’s Ghostroots is a spellbinding short story collection that blends the supernatural with the everyday.
Set in Lagos, Nigeria, these stories explore themes of tradition, urban life, and eerie mysticism.
If you love thought-provoking narratives that mix reality with the uncanny, this book is a must-read.
2. A Kind of Madness: Uche Okonkwo
If you’re drawn to emotionally charged, character-driven narratives, A Kind of Madness by Uche Okonkwo is for you.
This debut short story collection exposes the deep-seated tensions in relationships, peeling back layers of familial and societal expectations.
The book, which was released in April 2024, has made waves as one of Brittle Paper’s 100 Notable African Books of 2024.
3. Theft: Abdulrazak Gurnah
This was written by Nobel laureate Abdulrazak Gurnah, who employs powerful storytelling in Theft.
Set in Zanzibar, the novel explores love, family secrets, and personal growth through the lives of Karim, Fauzia, and Badar.
This book will make a good read for you if you love books that are lyrical, immersive, and deeply moving.
4. She Would Be King: Wayétu Moore
Wayétu Moore’s She Would Be King is a stunning fusion of magical realism and historical fiction.
It tells the story of three extraordinary characters—Gbessa, June Dey, and Norman—who come together in Liberia during its formation.
Moore’s lyrical prose and powerful storytelling make this book a must-read for fans of African historical fiction.
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5. Everybody Looking: Candice Iloh
A novel-in-verse that captures the raw emotions of adolescence. Everybody Looking tells the story of Ada as she navigates her family’s expectations, her sexuality, and her self-discovery.
If you love poetic storytelling combined with themes of identity and coming-of-age struggles, this book will leave a lasting impression on you.
6. The First Woman: Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi
This Ugandan novel follows Kirabo, a rebellious young girl growing up in a conservative village, as she seeks to understand her identity and the role of women in her community.
The First Woman is a rich, feminist narrative that combines folklore, history, and contemporary struggles to create an unforgettable story.
7. An Angel’s Demise: Sue Nyathi
Set in Zimbabwe, An Angel’s Demise follows the life of a woman navigating love, loss, and resilience.
In this novel, Sue Nyathi writes in a poignant and immersive manner, which helps to drive home the themes of womanhood, independence, and destiny.
8. Vagabonds!: Eloghosa Osunde
Vagabonds! paints a surreal portrait of Lagos, Nigeria.
Eloghosa Osunde masterfully blends queer narratives, politics, and spirituality to make a gripping novel.
If you’re looking for a novel that challenges conventions and pushes literary boundaries, this one’s for you.
9. Chronicles from the Land of the Happiest People on Earth: Wole Soyinka
This is a satirical novel by Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka that critiques Nigeria’s political landscape.
The novel features a darkly humorous and intricately woven narrative that offers an insightful and thought-provoking commentary on power, corruption, and survival.
10. How Beautiful We Were: Imbolo Mbue
Imbolo Mbue’s How Beautiful We Were is a powerful novel that tells the story of a fictional African village’s resistance against an American oil company destroying their land.
This book covers themes of environmental activism, colonial exploitation, and generational resilience, which makes it both timely and necessary.
Where to Find These Books
You can find these titles at local bookshops, online platforms like Amazon and Barnes & Noble, or African-focused book retailers such as:
- Roving Heights (Nigeria)
- African Books Collective
- Cassava Republic Press
Final Thoughts
Whatever your taste in novels or your reason for reading might be, African writers have something for you.
Reading these books is also a great way to show your support for the African literary environment and enjoy the vibrant world of African storytelling!
Elsie Udoh is an SEO content writer who specialises in writing engaging stories that resonates with diverse audiences. She studied mass communication at the Lagos State University.
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