Reading is one of the best ways to learn different stories about different people. What better way to connect with other African women than through the works of other brilliant African women?
That is why we have come up with 5 amazing female authors whose stories you should definitely add to your reading list.
1.
Chimamanda Adichie: Chimamanda is arguably the most revered Nigerian female writer. She often writes books centred around strong female protagonists. With the talent she wields, it’s no surprise that her 2006 book, “Half of a Yellow Sun” was adapted into a movie with the same name in 2013. Another one of her books, “Americanah” is set to be released as a 10-episode limited series by HBO-Max. Her other books, “The Thing Around Your Neck”, “Purple Hibiscus”, “We Should All Be Feminists” and “Dear Ijeawele” are all best-sellers and award-winning.
2.
Nnedi Okoroafor: She writes Nigerian sci-fi that she calls ‘Africanfuturism’ and ‘Africanjujuism’. Nnedi holds an impressive resume with stories such as “The Akata Series”, “The Book of Phoenix”, “Lagoon” and “Binti”. Her book, “Who Fears Death” is currently in development at HBO into a TV series. She has also written comics for Marvel such as “Wakanda Forever”, “Shuri” and “Black Panther: Long Live the King”.
3.
Tomi Adeyemi: At just 26 years old, Tomi has released two books from her trilogy series, ‘Legacy of Orisha’. She received the 2018 Andre Norton Award for ‘Young Adult Science Fiction and Fantasy’ for the first book in the series, “Children of Blood and Bone”. The second book of the series, “Children of Virtue and Vengeance” released on December 3rd is already on the New York Times ‘best-seller’ top 3.
4.
Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani: Adaobi focuses on satirical literature, paying attention to issues plaguing the African society. Her books, “I Do Not Come To You By Chance” about email scams, and “Buried Beneath the Baobab Tree” inspired by interviews of Chibok girls are must-reads.
5.
Oyinkan Braithwaite: Her debut book, “My Sister, The Serial Killer” has been lauded by critics as darkly comedic and brilliant. Oyinkan also wrote a couple of beautiful short stories in “Driver” that landed her a place on the 2016 Commonwealth short story prize shortlist.
All these women have one thing in common – a love for telling stories about African women in new, strong and beautiful ways. Have you read any books from any of these writers? Would you like to read any books from any of these writers? Let us know in the comment section below.
