For the average literary enthusiast and consumer of contemporary African literature, finding a good story published after the 1960s that doesn’t revolve around poverty, corruption or the struggle to overcome colonial oppression can be difficult.
The last couple of years have seen some wonderful narratives by African authors and, predominately, non-African publishers – yet the pickings for diverse African stories about life today in modern African countries is still slim.
According to True Africa’s Femi Adedoyin, these 10 stories best represent what life in contemporary Africa is like.
1. Shadows by Novuyo Rosa Tshuma (Zimbabwe)
2. Somi Ekhasomhi (Nigeria)
3. Stanley Gazemba – Nairobi Echoes (Kenya)
4. The Spider King’s Daughter by Chibundu Onuzo (Nigeria)
5.We Need New Names by NoViolet Bulawayo (Zimbabwe)
6.Eyo: African Lolita by Abidemi Sanusi (Nigeria)
7.Fool’s Gold by Marko Phiri (Zimbabwe)
8.One Day I’ll Write About This Place by Binyavanga Wainaina (Kenya)
9.Do Not Come To You By Chance by Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani (Nigeria)
10.Looking For Transwonderland: Travels in Nigeria by Noo Saro-Wiwa (Nigeria)
Do you agree?
Read up more here.