Six Books by African Writers That you should Add to Your Shopping Cart

It’s no secret that books written about African characters resonate differently, and have the possibility of becoming a spiritual experience. Here is a curated list of books that might be just what you need!

-The first woman
The First Woman is a novel by Ugandan writer Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi, which explores themes of womanhood, feminism, sexuality, gender roles, and the influence of tradition and colonialism in Ugandan society. The story centers on the life of Kirabo, a young girl growing up in the small Ugandan village of Nattetta during the 1970s and 80s. Through the oral storytelling of the community and the different characters’ narratives, Makumbi weaves in tales of female strength, rebellion, and power, all while painting a picture of Ugandan society’s expectations and restrictions on women.

-Maame
Maame is a novel by Ghanaian writer, Jessica George, that tells a story of a young woman who after dedicating a majority of her life to the good of the family unit, gets a chance to start living her life.
The writer captures the awkward struggles of first love, work politics, and friendship.
Maame slowly, but surely faces adversity in pursuit of the life that she wants for herself.

-Small Worlds
Small Worlds is a 2021 novel by Caleb Nelson Azumah. The story centers Stephen, a young man on a self-discovery journey. A young man dancing with his band, making music, Despite its fantasy setting, it portrays issues such as anxiety, pressure, fear of failure, and self-discovery, friendship, the complicated relationships between parents and their children, offering insight and understanding on these topics. Small Worlds isn’t just about saving the day or finding oneself, it’s also a tribute to the beauty of friendships and relationships and how they can empower us during the darkest times.

-Purple Hibiscus
Purple Hibiscus is a novel written by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, a Nigerian author. The story is set in post-colonial Nigeria, and it explores themes of family, religion, love, and the struggle for freedom. The plot unfolds as Kambili and her older brother Jaja, get to experience a different kind of family life with their liberal-minded aunt Ifeoma and her children. Here, they learn to laugh, voice their thoughts, and question their beliefs. This new sense of liberation and critical thinking, unfortunately, creates conflict when they return home, leading to unexpected and heartbreaking outcomes.

-Homegoing
Homegoing is a historical fiction novel written by Yaa Gyasi, a Ghanaian-American novelist. The novel was published in 2016 by Knopf and is the debut book by the author. The story traces the lineage of two sisters separated by the Atlantic Slave Trade, spanning 300 years and seven generations. The novel alternates between the descendants of both sisters, addressing the enduring effects of colonization, slavery, and racism on both sides of the Atlantic, including Africa and America. The book has been highly praised for its captivating narrative and deeply human storytelling.

-Love in colour
Love in Color by Bolu Babalola is a collection of love stories that span various times, places, and cultures. Released in August 2020, it brings together myths from across the world and creatively retells them through a modern and diverse perspective. In this anthology, Babalola seeks to present romantic love in a new, inclusive, and empowering light, specifically with regards to women. Each story touches on different kinds of love and the complex layers within relationships, offering lessons in self-love, acceptance, and courage in pursuing one’s heart’s desires.

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