The longlist for the 2023 James Currey Prize for African Literature has been unveiled, featuring 11 captivating novels by African authors.
With over 80 entries from across the continent, the jury, led by Henry Akubuiro, praised the diversity and quality of the submissions.
These stories explore postcolonial African experiences, mystery, and subaltern lives, showcasing the talent of the next generation of African storytellers.
In no particular order, this is the longlist of 11 for the 2023 James Currey Prize for African Literature:
- Black Fractures in Exile by Limpho Sechele
- Bolga by Bus by G.A. Agambila
- The Night Wing by Oluwaseun Beatrice Wende
- Kindred Beyond by Chidubem Iweka
- A Dangerous Job for a Woman – Pat Brickhill
- Girl Generation by Zainab Suileman
- The Legend Beach House by Peter Njeri
- The Remnant by Tariro Ndoro
- Ominla by Olatunbosun Taofeek
- Akala by William Moore
- Azogini by Chuks Iloegbunam
According to a statement by Akubuiro, the entries emanated from African writers spread across East, West, Central and Southern Africa, out of which 51 that met the rules progressed to the assessment stage by the jury whose members are: Nneoma Otuegbe, Tatiana Cassiano, Kakwenza Rukirabashaija, Javier Gutierrez Lozano, Debbie Edwards and Masande Ntshanga.
The jury is impressed with the overall quality of entries recorded this year, a reflection of the diversity of Africa’s storytelling tradition. The stories by these talented novelists pay witness to the postcolonial African condition, mystery and subaltern lives, told with flair and panache. In delving into realities beyond the familiar, some of these narratives leave the reader awestruck in a manner that reminds us that the next generation of ingenious African storytellers is waiting in the wings, if not here already.
A shortlist of five will be announced on August 20th, 2023, while the winner will be declared on September 3, 2023 in Oxford at the James Currey Literary Festival, taking place from September 1-3, 2023.
