Literary views of Africa

Please write and let us know about your favourite African book

Some of our favourites African books are:

The Scramble for Africa

by Thomas Pakenham

This is pretty heavy-going and I made the mistake of thinking I could pick it up and put it down when I felt like it. Sticking with it would have been better. This fascinating backgrounder is jam-packed with information and iintrigue, but requires dedicated reading.

Half of a Yellow Sun

by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Given to me by a colleague in Lagos. I have just dipped in. My first taste has stimulated my appetite, although I also have a strong sense of deja ju. More soon.

Pale Native

by Max du Preez

Full of interesting facts and insight. Helping me put my own feelings into words. You don’t mind if I quote you, do you Max?

Indaba My Children

by Credo Mutwa

I haven’t yet found the bit that will help me understand my black compatriots, but it certainly has been one hell of an interesting ride of magical realism so far

The Innocence of Roast Chicken

by Jo-Anne Richards

It is so long since I read this … I do remember loving it …

And Lisa Macleod says

Try Racists by Kunal Basu(bizarre but great), also look out for Place of Birth by Graham Lang absolutely gripping novel about Zimbabwe, think it might be one of the best books I have ever read.