Contemporary Fiction by African Authors
by oliviabee
With the continuous popularity of books such as Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, fiction about modern Africa is becoming ever more prominent. These novels are a great learning tool to connect readers with stories and experiences they may not necessarily be familiar with. Although these authors may seem hard to come across, the library has you covered with some great recommendations. Be sure to check out this list for more modern novels written by African authors! Here are 2 intriguing titles to get you started.
Named one of the best books of the year by the Washington Post is Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue. Jende, a struggling Cameroonian immigrant lives in Harlem with his wife and son. When he finds an opportunity working for the Lehman Brothers in New York, he is certain his luck has improved but soon learns that everything is not what it seems. With the 2008 financial crisis serving as a backdrop, read and find out how Jende learns what it takes to make it in America, all while keeping his family together. The novel is currently being featured as apart of Oprah's book club.
Under the Udala Trees by Chinelo Okparanta tells a unique story about Africa. Amid a perilous interstate civil war, a young Nigerian girl is sent to a neighboring village for safety. During her stay, she meets a refugee girl of a different ethnic background and quickly falls in love. Due to cultural norms, she faces negative stigmas placed on her and her new found love leaving her to make an important decision. Does she make the choice to dishonor her host family or to fall in love? This novel was featured on NPR's Best Books of 2015 list.
Blog Post
Comments
Thanks for the tips
Thanks for the tips
These books sound really
These books sound really interesting. Thanks for the great suggestions!
Thanks for the helpful list.
Thanks for the helpful list.
This is an area of literature
This is an area of literature I need to explore more deeply. Thanks for the reminder!
I always appreciate the
I always appreciate the helpful tips and suggestions when the AADL highlights different books/authors here on the blog... Thanks so much!!
friend code: SWEET646
Don't forget Kintu, by
Don't forget Kintu, by Jennifer Makumbi! Also published in the US this year!
I am not familiar with the
I am not familiar with the literature. but AADL does a good job introducing it to patrons
Great reviews and suggestions
Great reviews and suggestions on these posts.
Excited to read some of these
Excited to read some of these recommendations.
Thanks for highlighting
Thanks for highlighting items/authors that I never would have heard about otherwise!
my friend code: SWEET646
Interesting list and books
Interesting list and books featured here
I don't know
I don't know
Looks like a good list.
Looks like a good list.
Thanks for suggesting. sounds
Thanks for suggesting. sounds good.
great list!
great list!