As we head towards a new year, let’s celebrate the richness and diversity of African literature. This year, we’ve curated a list of seven captivating books that explore the complexities of the African diaspora, offering poignant, often searing reflections on identity, love, loss and resilience.
1. God’s Children Are Little Broken Things by Arinze Ifeakandu
Praised by critics as a stunning debut, Arinze Ifeakandu’s collection of short stories is a haunting exploration of faith, family, and the destructive power of secrets. Set in a Nigerian megacity, the stories follow a diverse cast of characters who grapple with the complexities of love, loss and identity.
“A powerful and moving collection of stories that explores the human condition with great depth and sensitivity.” – The New York Times Book Review
2. In Every Mirror She is Black by Lola Akersrom
Lola Akersrom’s memoir is a poignant exploration of identity, race, and belonging. Growing up as a mixed-race child in Sweden, Akersrom grapples with societal expectations and her own sense of self. This honest and insightful memoir offers a fresh perspective on the complexities of identity and the power of self-acceptance. (Sourcebook Landmark/2021)
3. Gaslight by Philip Taiwo
In this anticipated sequel to Kayode’s debut novel, investigator Philip Taiwo tackles a complex case involving Bishop Dawodu, a prominent megachurch leader in Ogun State, Nigeria, who stands accused of murdering his wife Sade. Despite the absence of a body, police have detained the Bishop based on compelling evidence. Taiwo, fresh from resolving the Okriki Three case, is enlisted to investigate.
The investigation reveals that Sade, characterised by her youth and outspoken nature, was unpopular among church members and had a history of unexplained absences. As Taiwo and his colleague Chika dig deeper, they expose church secrets far more significant than a missing person case – revelations that could destroy both the Bishop and his religious institution. Taiwo grows increasingly suspicious that his real purpose is to exonerate the Bishop rather than uncover the truth.
The novel weaves together multiple threads: Taiwo’s personal struggle balancing family life with his investigation, the practical challenges of detective work in Nigeria (including cash-dependent systems and limited records), and broader themes examining religious influence, church-state relationships, and the contrasts between Nigerian and American police corruption. Taiwo’s perspective as someone who has lived in America for over twenty years provides unique insights into these cultural dynamics.
The result is a gripping mystery that combines intense action with political commentary and emotional depth, offering a fresh take on the classic detective novel through its global perspective and contemporary Nigerian setting.
4. Wahala by Nikki May
Electrifying and razor-sharp, this debut novel tracks the lives of three Anglo-Nigerian friends whose world is upended by the arrival of a magnetic newcomer. Isobel, with her dazzling presence and forceful personality, seems initially to elevate each woman in the tight-knit trio. However, beneath her glamorous exterior lies a destabilizing force – the more deeply she embeds herself in their circle, the more turbulence she creates in her wake. (UK: Doubleday; US: Custom House/2022)
5. Yinka, Where is Your Husband? by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn
Lizzie Damilola Blackburn’s witty and insightful novel explores the pressures of societal expectations and the search for love and fulfillment. Yinka, an Oxford-educated successful career woman, is constantly bombarded with questions about her marital status. As she navigates the complexities of modern relationships, she learns to embrace her independence and redefine her own happiness. (Pamela Dorman/2022)
6. The Returnees by Elizabeth Okoh
In the aftermath of a devastating breakup, Osayuki Idahosa, at just twenty-five, makes the life-altering decision to abandon her London life and return to her roots in Lagos, Nigeria. A chance encounter at Milan’s airport introduces her to two fellow travelers: Cynthia Okoye and aspiring Afrobeat musician Kian Bajo. Though they part ways upon landing in Lagos, fate has other plans. Their paths are destined to cross again, setting in motion a series of events that will profoundly reshape Osayuki’s journey and future. (Hodder & Stoughton/2020)
7. Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo
Bernardine Evaristo’s groundbreaking novel is a celebration of Black womanhood in all its diversity. The story follows twelve interconnected characters, spanning generations and exploring themes of identity, sexuality, and social justice. This powerful and thought-provoking novel is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit. A history-making book, Girl, Woman, Other won Bernadine Evaristo the coveted Booker Prize for its poetic depiction of the textured lives of Black women in Britain. (Grove Atlantic/2019)
“A kaleidoscopic masterpiece that challenges traditional storytelling and celebrates the richness of Black lives.” – The Guardian
These seven books celebrate a diverse range of perspectives and experiences, highlighting the richness and complexity of the African experience. Whether you’re seeking a thought-provoking historical novel, a contemporary comedy or a poignant exploration of identity, there’s something for you here.
