Nigeria

Things Fall Apart

“Things Fall Apart” is a novel by Nigerian author Chinua Achebe that was published in 1958. It’s a story about the collision of African and European cultures in late 19th century Nigeria, and the cultural, political, and personal effects of colonialism on the people of the Ibo tribe. The protagonist, Okonkwo, is a proud and determined man who struggles with the changes brought about by colonialism and the loss of his traditional way of life. The novel provides a powerful commentary on the effects of colonialism and the resilience of African culture.

Aké: The Years of Childhood

“Aké: The Years of Childhood” is a novel by Nigerian Nobel Prize-winning author Wole Soyinka, published in 1981. The book is a semi-autobiographical account of Soyinka’s childhood growing up in a Yoruba village in Nigeria in the 1940s. It’s a nostalgic and sometimes humorous portrayal of a young boy’s experiences and coming of age, and explores themes of family, community, tradition, and the impact of colonialism. Through the eyes of young Aké, the reader gets a glimpse into life in rural Nigeria and the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.

Half of a Yellow Sun

“Half of a Yellow Sun” is a novel by Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, published in 2006. The book is a historical fiction that tells the story of the Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafran War, which took place from 1967 to 1970. The novel follows the experiences of several characters, including a university professor, a young houseboy, and twin sisters, as they navigate the complexities and atrocities of war, as well as their personal struggles and relationships. The novel is a powerful exploration of love, identity, politics, and the human cost of war, and provides a nuanced and compassionate depiction of Nigeria’s tumultuous recent history.

Dangerous Love

“Dangerous Love” is a novel by Nigerian author Ben Okri, published in 1996. The book is a magical realist story set in Nigeria and London, and follows the experiences of a young woman named Omovo, who is drawn into a dangerous love affair with a mysterious man named Azaro. The novel explores themes of love, identity, and spirituality, as Omovo and Azaro navigate the complexities and dangers of their relationship and the world around them. Through the use of vivid and imaginative language, “Dangerous Love” is a captivating and thought-provoking examination of the power of love and the transformative impact it can have on individuals and society.

The Palm-Wine Drinkard

“The Palm-Wine Drinkard” is a novel by Nigerian author Amos Tutuola, published in 1952. The book is a surreal and fantastical narrative that follows the journey of the titular character, the Palm-Wine Drinkard, as he travels through the afterlife in search of more palm wine. The novel blends traditional Yoruba folktales and mythology with elements of Western literary conventions, creating a unique and imaginative narrative that explores themes of identity, spirituality, and the human condition. “The Palm-Wine Drinkard” is considered a classic of African literature and a groundbreaking work in the development of the African literary tradition.