There’s nothing more special than an author’s first novel. Their first creation they laboured tiresly on, perhaps with little confidence, perhaps on a napkin on a train ride home, or perhaps unaware that their work would shape generations to come. In the post I wanted to share authors from Africa that took the leap. So yes, this is a blog of 10 must-read debut novels by African authors. At least in my opinion!
Within these past two years I’ve come to realize that this continent is a literary trove. There is something about fictio infused with the colour and richness of sub-saharan Africa in all her quirky modernity that just hits different. And I want for absolutely everyone to appreciate this with me.
So, my bookworms, come with me to Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra-Leone, Zimbabwe and even my home, South Africa to discover worlds on the backs of timeless literary voices…their very first rodeos. Off we go!
1. Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Published in 2003 when she was just 26 years old, Purple Hibiscus was Chimamanda Adichie’s first brick to her monumental literary career. Adichie has this enviable knack for creating the most bitterly hilarious, heartbreakingly endearing and powerfully complex characters.
Purple Hibiscus is a perfect coming of age novel packed with tension, lessons and a gorgeous unearthing of Nigeria’s passionate, intellectual and warm spaces. The story follows Kamibili, a 15 year old girl who along with her brother is sent to live with her Aunt, a university professor where she for the first time sees what a happy household looks like. Exposed by her inteligent, politically spirited aunt, Kambili becomes aware of the state of Nigeria.
To anyone looking for a place to start with African literature, look know further.
2. Our Lady of Nile by Scholastique Mukasonga
Rwanda. The cleanest country in Africa. Paul Kagame, the president that the West love to call a dictator but oh how I wish South African presidents could take notes from him. A fascinating country, a deeply stratified history that our school books tend to oversimplify. Well, what better teacher than fiction, as I like to say?
Set in an elite catholic girls’ schools, Our Lady of the Nile is georgeous and strange tale in which the students, teachers, priests and missionaries mimic the racial and ethnic prejudices that spur the 1994 Rwanda.
Have you ever read a book and thought…wow. This author is so brilliantly weird. Why the hell is she/he doing/saying this? And the when you close the book you say: ahh. I get it. I just get it. That’s Scholastique Mukasonga for you.
3. When Morning Comes by Arushi Raina
Now this was a library find that had me curled up unbothered by chatty old ladies and their sugar-high grandchildren— I was too riveted.
It’s !972 in Soweto. Zanele is missing school to attend underground meetings to plan the coming uprising. Thabo is embroiled in a trouble that could cost him his life. Meena has a future as a doctor but she wants to know what these secret ANC meeting are about. Jack lives in the suburbs waiting to start at Oxford.
These four young lives are brought together by chance or by fate. The question is: for better or for worse?
I was super impressed with how Arushi Raina, being so young managed to capture one of the most important turning points of South African history with such authenticity and intrigue. I can only say that I’m proud and hope she writes more.
4. The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna
When Deka’s small village discovers that she is impure—a demon, to be exact— she is sentenced to the most unspeakable and horrific deaths (yes plural) until she meets White Hands. A lady who takes her to the kingdom of Otera where she will train with other girls whose demonic blood will help save the kingdom from deathshrieks. However, her path seems to take unexpected turns.
Now this book is fire. Namina Forna‘s world-building is exemplary. I felt the warmth of the golden or ‘cursed blood,’ I could almost taste the exotic fruits and my eyes watered more than once at the bond of sisterhood and the strength of courage that this story heralds.
The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna is the perfect get-away fantasy and absorbing read that has you cheering, hoping and gasping in shock. My Avatar the Last Airbender fans would love this!
5. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
You know those books that the whole world speaks about and the thought of actually reading it intimidates you? Yup. This is what this book was for me. Honestly, I was expecting something depressing…I mean…the title, right? But what I actually got was one of the most memorable, surprisingly funny and enormously educating reads of my life.
In just a few days I felt like I learnt what so called progressive historians try to pack into a 4 month module. But instead of some dense account, we have a stunning (and at times hilarious) narrative infused with folklore, guiding clarity and unmissable allegory.
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe is a book that every living soul should read. Especially to remind us that Africa had a before— centuries of it.
(Also something that blew my mind: the novel actually makes part of a trilogy!)
6. The Theory of Flight by Siphiwe Gloria Ndlovu
Some merely live to exist, to survive. And others have higher ambitions. This novel transports us to liberated Zimbabwe forcing its readers to interrogate what liberation really is. I absolutely recommend this book. One of my favourites of 2023 (Check out the full review), the cast of characters, the interwebbed plot, the gorgeous symbolism— it is an exquisite read..
Siphiwe Gloria Ndlovu was my first guide into the historical and political context of Zimbabwe and I am so happy it was her. There is nothing like teaching politics whilst also teaching the human disposition.
7. Stay With Me by Ayobami Adebayo
Yejide and Akin, a married couple live in a middle-class suburb in Nigeria. Akin is a successful banker and Yejide a gifted hairdresser with her own salon. They have all what they need to be a complete family but there is just one problem. Yejide cannot conceive a child. Burdened by the pressures of her in-laws and harrowing disappointments, the couple become desperate and their marriage is put at risk.
I read this after a succession of Western escapist fiction and feeling weary of anything that required too much thought or too much feeling. When you see “short-listed for booker prize,” that’s pretty much what you expect. Well yes it’s true, Stay With Me did make me think. And it did make me feel. But it also made me laugh along with the dark humour that I absolutely love. It made me cry in a way that made me thank God for painfully stretching my heart. Ayobami Adebayo birthed a tour de force.
I absolutely recommend this book: click here for a full review.
8. We Need New Names by NoViolet Bulawayo
Darling and her friends spend their free time stealing guavas from suburbs and dreaming about leaving their tin homes and Zimbabwen poverty entirely. But Darling knows that hers is not just a dream: she will soon leave to America, the land of dreams and riches, to live with her aunt. Only, when she finally gets there she realizes that life in America is not what she imagined.
NoViolet Bulowayo’s writing style reminds you of that quiet girl in class who speaks only to tell you the cold and blunt truth that you didn’t expect to hear—but in a way that cracks you up. This novel is so understatedly intelligent, so entertainingly informative. Bulawayo writes with a voice that says: this is who I am, this is what I think and I’m not going to dress it up or dress it down for anyone.
We Need New Names is just a georgeous debut.
9. My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
Okay Oyinkan Braithwaite dropped a bomb and to this day I feel its effects.
Korede’s sister, Ayoola is irresistible. Men can’t help but fall, weak-kneed at her feet. But Ayoola also has a bit of a habit. Nothing much, just the a little twitch of her hand that ends with a knife in each of her boyfriends’ heart. Korede, who is always the one to scrub any trace of evidence, is undoubtedly loyal to her sister— despite her higher sense of principal and morality. However, after Ayoola’s third murder, Korede begins questioning things. Duty to herself and duty to her sister is conflicted when Ayoola steals the heart of the man Korede loves. This man is in danger…
My friends. Especially the masochistic ones who love reading books that keep them up at night. Find this book and read it! If you don’t mind spoilers, check out the full review.
10. Someday, Maybe by Onyi Nwabineli
This is a perfect example of why I love African literature. I can’t begin to describe the breath of fresh air when reading characters who look like me. To imagine the possibility of someone’s dark skin and natural nappy hair to be a strength, an object /of beauty rather than a burden or a detractor. To mmm and ahhh at the fierce creed of family that are just all too familiar in an African household. It’s like smelling your grandmother’s baked bread: home between the pages.
That’s what Someday, Maybe was for me.
Nigerian-British author, Onyi Nwabineli dropped a harrowing and everlasting flame with this one. This is a beautiful story of grief, love, friendship and family. I highly recommend it.
All in all
I really hope you’ve enjoyed what I think are 10 must-read debut novels from African authors. There are so so many more, that I just can’t wait to read. I’d love to hear which one interests you the most and others you’d reccomend❤️😊
Thanks for reading, fellow bookworm! Until next time.
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