Must-Read African Fiction Books for the First Half of 2024

Books are essential to human survival, and Africa is blessed with rich creatives willing to write their hearts out. 

Here is a curated list of some fantastic Fiction books released half of 2024 that you should read:

1. The Road to the Country by Chigozie Obioma: (Nigeria)

Set in the late 1960s Nigeria, this epic novel follows Kunle, a bookish student drawn into the Biafran army while searching for his missing brother during the Civil War.

2. Blessings by Chukwuebuka Ibeh: (Nigeria)

Blessings explores the complexities of identity, the quest for acceptance, and resilience in the face of adversity. Through the journey of Obiefuna, a young boy navigating his sexual identigerian socio-cultural clime.

3. Little Rot by Akwaeke Emezi (Nigeria)

A thriller set in a Nigerian city, this novel delves into a web of sex, lies, and corruption as a recent breakup and an elite party spiral into chaos.

4. These letters end in tears by Musih Tedji Xaviere: (Cameroon) 

Set in Cameroon, where same-sex relationships are illegal, “These Letters End in Tears” follows the forbidden romance between Bessem, a Christian girl, and Fatima, a Muslim girl. Their love faces immense challenges, including societal disapproval and violent intervention by Fatima’s brother. When a police raid targets the local gay bar, Fatima disappears, leaving Bessem in despair. Thirteen years later, Bessem, now a university professor, is still haunted by her lost love. She sets out to find Fatima after encountering a mutual friend who might hold the key to her whereabouts.

5. The Lion’s Den by Iris Mwanza (Zambia)

This debut novel follows rookie lawyer Grace Zulu as she fights for justice in a corrupt political landscape while advocating for a queer dancer arrested by police.

6. Children of Anguish and Anarchy by Tomi Adeyemi: (Nigeria)

The final instalment of the “Legacy of Orisha” series sees Zélie facing new enemies and allies as she battles to save her people from destruction.

7. Ghostroots by Pemi Aguda: (Nigeria)

This 12-story collection, set in a spectral Lagos, opens with a chilling tale of a woman haunted by her evil grandmother’s legacy. Everyday events like childbirth and market visits carry an air of supernatural menace. Stories such as “Breastmilk” and “24, Alhaji Williams Street” feature preternatural twists, while “The Hollow” follows an architect encountering a vengeful house. Aguda masterfully blends the ordinary with the supernatural.

8. Pharmakon by Teju Cole: (Nigerian)

Teju Cole’s “Pharmakon” blends photography with brief written passages, creating a dreamlike, nonverbal narrative. The images evoke a sense of déjà vu, capturing mundane yet poignant details, often devoid of human subjects. Cole’s dual talents as a writer and photographer shine through, making the book a unique visual and literary journey.

9. Mayowa and the Sea of Words by Chibundu Onuzo:

A is a magical tale where ten-year-old Mayowa discovers the power of book jumping, using it to channel emotions and uncover family secrets.

9. The Weavers of Alamaxa by Hadeer Elsbai:

The Weavers of Alamaxa” is a richly woven fantasy novel that follows the inhabitants of Alamaxa, a world where weaving holds magical power. The story centres on the struggles and adventures of its characters as they navigate a realm filled with mystical looms and ancient secrets. Through intricate storytelling, the novel explores themes of destiny, conflict, and the interconnection of all life in Alamaxa.

These books showcase the rich literary talent of Africa, offering a range of genres and stories that reflect the region’s diverse cultures and histories. Be sure to add these titles to your reading list.

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Ikenna Churchill

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