Did you know that when you google ‘100 books you need to read’, Chinua Achebe’s ‘Things Fall Apart’ appears on almost every list?
More than 60 years after its first publication, the classic book which tells the story of Okonkwo, the greatest warrior alive whose pride and arrogance eventually led him to a lonely death, still remains one of the best books to have ever come out of Africa.
Below are 4 more Africa novels everyone needs to read.
The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born by Ayi Kwei Armah
The 1968 novel tells the story of frustration many citizens of the newly independent African nations felt after gaining their independence. ‘The Man’, who narrates the story is appalled by the greed, bribery and corruption that became the order of the day for Ghanaian leaders and elite.
Petals of Blood by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o
Another gripping story that tells the story of the effects of colonialism in Africa, this time Kenya. The author uses the lives of the four main characters of the book – Munira, Karega, Wanja, and Abdulla – to tell a tale of colonialism, capitalism, and post-Independence theft. A must read for everyone!
Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Dangarembga
The book tells the story of Tambu, a young Rhodesian girl who dreams of going to school in a family that favours her brother and wants her to focus instead on working in the fields and bearing children.
Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Adichie yet again proved her literary mastery with this gripping 2006 novel that narrates the story of a group of friends, families, etc and how the 1966 Nigerian Civil War affected their lives and that of the entire nation. This is one of those books you start and never want to finish.