Pierrette Mulumba
Books are great. They give us the chance to escape our own realities but also to better understand them. So why not try better understanding our continent than by reading book written by African authors about this great continent.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Born in Nigeria, in 1977, Adichie continues to be applauded by both critics and book lovers across the world since the publication of her first novel, Purple Hibiscus, in 2003. Dividing her time between Nigeria and the US she continues to speak on social issues such as gender equality as well as continuing to shelf out bestsellers- including Americanah which is a must-read love story.
In her 2006 novel Half of a Yellow Sun she explores the Biafran War that plagued her nation.
Ayi Kwei Armah
Born in Takoradi, Ghana in 1939, Armah is viewed as an essential post-colonial African writer with his 1968 novel The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born.
The novel follows a character trying to make sense of his life and nation following Ghana’s independence dreams being shattered. With its disapproval of corrupt and nepotistic systems, the book remains relevant in 2017.
Mariama Bâ
Born in Dakar, Senegal in 1929, Bâ has emerged as one of the most original writers on the continent.
Through her work, she tackled issues such as gender inequality and this is evident in her 1981 debut novel So Long a Letter.
Bessie Head
Born in Pietermaritzburg in 1937, Head is best known for her 1968 novel When Rain Clouds Gather (1968). Her narrative dictates the notion of racial identity and belonging due to her being a mixed-race woman in a patriarchal, racist culture.
Ngugi wa Thiong’o
Born in Kamiriithu, Kenya in 1938, Thiong’o has been revered for his work as a novelist, playwright and activist.
His novels include the 1964 Weep Not, Child and the 1967 A Grain of Wheat.
