Best African Novels Ever!

[Micheal Lamina]

Africa is a continent that not only has a rich culture and history but is also home to some of the greatest literary works in the world. The African literature is diverse, filled with different genres, themes, and styles of writing. Here's a post celebrating the 10 best African novels of all time. IMO.

[Micheal Lamina]

1. "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe:

This novel, published in 1958, is undoubtedly one of the most celebrated African novels. It tells the story of a Nigerian tribe before and after the arrival of the white colonialists. "Things Fall Apart" is an epic story that explores African culture, religion, and history.

[Micheal Lamina]

2. "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie:

This novel tells the story of the Nigerian civil war from the perspectives of two sisters, Olanna and Kainene. It is a story of love, loss, and the human spirit in times of war.

[Micheal Lamina]

3. "The Famished Road" by Ben Okri:

This novel won the Booker Prize in 1991 and tells the story of Azaro, a spirit child who lives in the ghetto of an unnamed Nigerian city. The novel explores the themes of identity, poverty, and social injustice.

[Micheal Lamina]

4. "Nervous Conditions" by Tsitsi Dangarembga:

This novel is set in colonial Rhodesia and tells the story of two young girls, Tambudzai and Nyasha, as they navigate their way through the challenges of education and family life. "Nervous Conditions" explores themes such as gender, colonialism, and identity.

[Micheal Lamina]

5. "Petals of Blood" by Ngugi wa Thiong'o:

This novel tells the story of four characters who were inspired by the Mau Mau rebellion in Kenya. It explores themes such as corruption, poverty, and the struggle for independence.

[Micheal Lamina]

6. "So Long a Letter" by Mariama Ba:

This novel is a beautiful reflection on love, friendship, and tradition. It tells the story of Ramatoulaye, a woman who writes letters to her friend Aissatou after the death of her husband.

[Micheal Lamina]

7. "A Grain of Wheat" by Ngugi wa Thiong'o:

This novel tells the story of the Mau Mau rebellion in Kenya and explores the tensions between revolution and personal responsibility.

[Micheal Lamina]

8. "Arrow Of God" by Chinua Achebe:

One of the sequels to "Things fall Apart," this novel about the impact foriegn religions on African lifestyle is certainly one to read. Till date, it remains a personal favoriteof mine.

[Micheal Lamina]

9. "The River Between" by Ngugi wa Thiong'o:

This novel tells the story of a Kenyan village divided by the arrival of Christian missionaries. The novel explores the themes of tradition, modernity, and identity.

[Micheal Lamina]

10. "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie:

This novel tells the story of two Nigerian immigrants, Ifemelu and Obinze, as they navigate the challenges of race and identity in the United States and the United Kingdom.

[Melbie Bie]

Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Adichie
Describes the Nigerian civil war.

[Wanjla Carl]

I would say "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe. It contains a true depiction of how african communities lived in igbo land before the coming of the white man. It also depicts how his comming brought about disunity in the communities.

[Cielito Leyendo]

Thank you for the recommendations!

[Quizlit4Stephen]

Some great books on your list, thx
Here's a couple more that I enjoyed
Beneath the Lion’s Gaze by Maaza Mengiste
We Need New Names by NoViolet Bulawayo

Here is my full list of great African books on my blog
https://quizlit.org/13-best-african-books