Across continents and languages, African writers have written compelling narratives that resonate with readers around the world. The Bird History Agency has compiled the following list of best-selling books and their authors to celebrate the rich landscape of African literature.
SPECIAL REPORT | BIRD AGENCY | Over the past century, African writers have written about their lives, experiences, culture, history and myths in a variety of forms, styles and languages. They have been widely published throughout Africa, Europe, the Americas and Asia. They have written in English, French, Portuguese, Arabic, Swahili and many other indigenous languages.
They wrote and continue to write with exceptional originality, passion and sincerity. From Chinua Achebe, who is considered the father of modern African literature, to Trevor Noah who is part of the new generation of writers. African literature continues to remain relevant and both educational and entertaining and enlightening. Although not exhaustive, this list compiles some of the best-selling African books of the last century.
1. Things Fall Apart, Chinua Achebe – Nigeria
The Nigerian novelist, poet, professor and critic is best known for his seminal work, Things Fall Apart (1958). This novel is hailed as the most widely read book in modern African literature.
Things Fall Apart offers a powerful portrayal of the conflict between traditional African cultures and the imposition of colonial rule through the central character of Okonkwo. The novel also delves into the dynamics of gender roles within highly patriarchal societies. Due to its popularity, this book has been translated into more than 50 languages worldwide.
2. Half of a Yellow Sun, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie- Nigeria
An acclaimed author of novels, short stories and non-fiction, Adichie has been called “the most prominent” among a “critical procession of young English-language writers who are succeeding in attracting a new generation of readers to African literature”.
Known for her character-driven stories, Half of a Yellow Sun (2006), explores the lives of three characters against the backdrop of the Biafran War in the 1960s. Her book won the Women’s Prize for Literature in 2007. Other notable works they include Purple Hibiscus (2003) and Americanah (2013).
3. A Grain of Wheat, Ngugi wa Thiong’o- Kenya
Writing primarily in Gikuyu, Kenyan author and academic Ngũgi wa Thiong’o’s works include novels, plays, short stories and essays. A Grain of Wheat (1967), like most of Ngũgĩ’s writing, explores themes of colonialism and identity, reflecting his deep commitment to the cultural and political liberation of Africa.
His notable works include the novel ‘Petals of Blood’ (1977) and the play ‘Ngaahika Ndeenda’ (I Will Marry When I Want).
4. Our Sister Killjoy, Ama Ata Aidoo – Ghana
The Ghanaian writer, poet, playwright and academic is known for her literary works that express strong feminist views. In her debut novel, Aidoo explores themes of identity, black diaspora and colonialism. Boldly written Our Sister Killjoy (1977) explores themes such as same-sex relationships that were considered beyond their time.
He won the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize in 1992 for the novel Changes.
5. So Long a Letter, Mariam Bâ – Senegal
So Long a Letter (1979), a semi-autobiography, is widely considered a seminal work of African feminist literature. Writing primarily in French, Bâ’s works explore issues of gender, social change, and the role of women in post-colonial African societies.
“So Long a Letter” delves into the life of a Senegalese woman who struggles with the cultural and personal consequences of her husband’s polygamy, a dark reality of the West African woman.
This book was awarded the first Noma Prize for Publishing in Africa in 1980.
6. Cairo Trilogy, Naguib Mahfouz – Egypt
Mahfouz’s epic trilogy set in colonial Egypt depicts the fascinating story of a Muslim family in Cairo amid the British occupation of Egypt in the early 20th century.
Exploring themes of class, identity and colonialism, The Cairo Trilogy (2001) is prolific as it offers valuable historical insights amid intense family drama.
This body of work won him the Egyptian State Literary Award for Fiction (1957) and the Nobel Prize in Literature (1988).
7. Broken Glass, Alain Mabanckou – Congo
Known for his wit and sharp social commentary, Alain Mabanckou’s writing is deeply rooted in his Congolese origins and the French language. In his most popular satirical work, Broken Glass (2005), Mabanckou delves into the life of a Congolese teacher in a local bar who tries to record the stories of his society, but fails miserably.
He won the Renaudot prize in France for another novel, Memoirs of a Porcupine (2006).
8. Nervous Conditions, Tsitsi Dangarembga – Zimbabwe
Nervous Conditions was first published in the UK in 1988. It was the first book published by a black Zimbabwean woman in English. Set in Rhodesia (present-day Zimbabwe), the novel focuses on Tambu’s journey as she navigates the challenges of education and identity in colonial Rhodesia. It explores issues of gender, race and the complexities of post-colonial African society.
In This Mournable Body (2020), Dangarembga returns to the protagonist of her acclaimed first novel, Nervous Conditions, to examine the larger themes of colonialism and capitalism.
Nervous Conditions won the 1989 Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for Best Book.
9. Burger’s Daughter, Nadine Gordimer – South Africa
One of the pre-eminent writers of the apartheid era, Nadine delves into social, moral and racial issues in apartheid South Africa. In ‘Burger’s Daughter’, (1979) he depicts the challenges faced by anti-apartheid activists.
Despite being awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for her expert portrayal of a society rife with racial tension, Gordimer faced controversy as her most famous works were banned in South Africa for their outspoken criticism of oppressive government structures.
10. From a Crooked Rib, Nuruddin Farah – Somalia
Nuruddin Farah’s debut novel, From a Crooked Rib (1970), is titled after a Somali proverb: “God created woman from a crooked rib, and whoever tries to straighten it breaks it.” The novel uses the experience of a young woman in an unhappy marriage to analyze the suffering of women in Somali society.
Farah’s subsequent works: plays, novels and short stories, continue to engage in strong social criticism, focusing on conflict and postcolonial identity. His works have been translated into more than twenty languages and have won numerous awards, including the Neustadt International Prize for Literature.
***
SOURCE: Esther Musembi, Bird History Agency