5 must-read books by African authors

Students of literature will argue that there is no bad book out there. Writers, however argue that all books are essential, in order to know what to write and particularly what not to write.

Interestingly, some books just have a grip on you.

They hold you hostage until you are completely in their world?

But how do we determine which books to read and not to read? There will probably never be an answer to that question. Here are 5 written books by African authors that you should absolutely read, carefully curated for you.

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1. The African Child by Camara Laye

The African child is a coming of age autobiography. Camara Laye weaves a tale of a young boy who grows up in a polygamous household. He takes us through a journey of traditions, religious beliefs and family upbringing. With its simple and easy language, this book has earned its place as an African classic.

2. The Joys of Motherhood by Buchi Emecheta

Emecheta takes us through a tale of heartbreak and suffering. Nnu Ego is a woman full of love and in raising her children, she gives everything. In the end she is left with nothing- she has truly become a shadow of herself.

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3. One day I will write about this place by Binyavanga Wainaina

In this memoir, Binyavanya carries the reader along the fields of Kenya. Through this battles with addiction, withdrawal from school, his feelings of failure and disappointing his parents, we are brought face to face with the human that is Binyavanga Wainaina.

4. The fishermen by Chigozie Obioma

Chigozie tells the tale of a troubled family, living in fear of the prophesy of a mad man.

5. Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Set against the backdrop of the Nigerian civil war, Half of a yellow sun is a novel about loss, love and war. Particularly memorable is the part of the story told through the eyes of Ugwu, a houseboy in Olanna and Odenigbo’s household.