Throughout history, French, English and Italian authors lead the pack when it came to producing literary masterpieces. However, in the last few decades, Africa has produced a number of award-winning writers that have provided us with a multitude of books, ranging in genre, that have helped shape our tastes and preferences, and have forced us to look at the world through fresh eyes.
These authors carved a unique path in the realm of contemporary literature, attracting readers from all over the world. Breaking away from the more traditional African narrative, here are five contemporary African authors that belong on every bibliophile's list:
1. Chinua Achebe
With five novels, a number of short stories and two poetry anthologies behind his name, Achebe is referred to as the "patriarch of the African novel", and should have a weathered spot on every bibliophile's shelf. His debut novel, Things Fall Apart, tells the story of pre-colonial Nigeria and details the fight between colonialism and traditional communities. Translated into more than 50 languages, the novel defined Achebe's sterling position as a writer and paved the path for his career.
2. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Another Nigerian writer, Adichie is an award winning literary whose novels guarantee to stir the emotion in a melancholic and impactful manner. Her novel, Americanah, discusses the experience of the African diaspora in America and brings to light a number of cultural, racial and societal issues. Labelled as the "the most prominent" African author of her generation, Adichie's work is perfect for the bibliophile who seeks a literary work that encourages a shift in thought.
She seemingly won the writer's lottery when an extract from her TedX talk was included in a song sung by superstar Beyonce Knowles in 2014, ensuring pop culture stardom and drawing a fresh young audience to her exceptional work.
3. Nadine Gordimer
One of the most prolific South African authors, Gordimer's literary work was set against the backdrop of Apartheid which shaped many of her essays and short stories. Gordimer found her voice in her work that details the struggles and liberation of South Africans during the National Party's rule. Her most popular novel, Burger's Daughter, is an international classic and details the life of a young revolutionary who strives to make a difference against all odds, both personal and societal
4. Ngugi wa Thiong'o
Exiled for 22 years, Ngugi wa Thiong'o is to bibliophiles what bread is to the hungry – a literary legend of the contemporary African literary realm. Constantly questioning the political status quo of Kenya, Thiong'o's work has won a number of international awards and has become an all-time favourite for bibliophiles and African-genre lovers alike. 'Wizard of the Crow' is a comic novel that details the socio-political climate of twentieth century Africa.
5. Aminatta Forna
A detailed and raw personal account of her childhood in Sierra Leone, Aminatta Forna's 'The Devil that Danced on Water' follows the life of a young child who witnesses the cataclysm of post-colonial Africa, and her memories of her father who was declared an Amnesty Prisoner of Conscience. Recipient of a number of international awards, Aminatta Forna's literary work finds its way into the heart of many bibliophiles who can appreciate her raw, honest and personal accounts of African history.
