Shows
African StoriesSeason of Migration to the North by Tayeb SalihThis book explains Salih's life and career, highlighting his experience as an Arab living in Europe and his literary output, including his other works, such as The Wedding of Zein and Bandarshah. It then goes on to discuss the novel's significance, comparing it to Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness, and how it challenges Western perceptions of colonialism and the Arab world. The source also delves into Salih's novel Season of Migration to the North, which, it argues, deconstructs Arab-European relations and explores themes of identity, colonialism, and the complexities of cultural synthesis. Lastly, it explores the novel's Arabic title and i...2024-11-1018 minAfrican StoriesEvery Day Is for the Thief by Teju ColeEvery Day Is for the Thief by Teju Cole is a work of fiction about the author's return to his native Lagos, Nigeria, after fifteen years abroad. The text explores themes of corruption, poverty, and the clash between tradition and modernity in Lagos. Cole utilizes a combination of narration, dialogue, and personal reflection to portray the complex social and economic realities of contemporary Nigeria.
2024-11-0914 minAfrican StoriesI Do Not Come to You by Chance by Adaobi Tricia NwaubaniI Do Not Come to You by Chance by Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani focuses on Kingsley, a young man navigating life in Nigeria after his father's death. The story chronicles his journey from seeking a traditional education to his involvement in the world of 419 scams and the ethical dilemmas he faces along the way. Kingsley grapples with societal expectations, the influence of wealth, and the complex relationships he has with his family, friends, and lovers. It ultimately showcases the challenges of navigating a rapidly changing society in post-colonial Nigeria.2024-11-0809 minAfrican StoriesThe Poisonwood Bible by Barbara KingsolverThe Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver describes the author’s process of researching and writing the novel. Kingsolver outlines the various sources she consulted, including books on postcolonial history and classic texts about African culture. She explains how these sources provided her with essential information and inspiration for her novel. The remaining excerpts offer glimpses into the lives of the Price family, missionaries who have come to the Congo, and their struggles to adapt to the country's culture and climate. The characters confront diverse challenges, including the difficulties of communication, cultural misunderstandings, and personal struggles. Kingsolver also explores themes of...2024-11-0727 minAfrican StoriesBehold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue"Behold the Dreamers" by Imbolo Mbue tells the story of Jende, a Cameroonian immigrant who arrives in New York City with hopes of a better life. He finds work as a driver for Clark Edwards, a wealthy Wall Street executive, and struggles to navigate the complexities of American life while facing financial hardship and the constant threat of deportation. Jende's wife, Neni, also dreams of a better life for her family and tries to adapt to life in New York while balancing her studies and her role as a mother. The novel explores themes of immigration, class, race, and th...2024-11-0616 minAfrican StoriesChildren of Blood and Bone by Tomi AdeyemiTomi Adeyemi’s Children of Blood and Bone is a captivating fantasy novel set in a world where magic has been eradicated. The text follows Zélie, a young diviner, who struggles with the suppression of magic, the prejudice against her people, and the loss of her mother. It also introduces Inan, the prince of Orïsha, who harbors secrets of his own and faces the consequences of his father's actions. The book introduces a complex world where magic is both a source of power and oppression, highlighting themes of resistance, rebellion, and the search for identity.
2024-11-0512 minAfrican StoriesThe Shadow King by Maaza Mengiste
The Shadow King by Maaza Mengiste is a historical novel set during the Second Italo-Ethiopian War (1935–1937), showcasing the resilience of Ethiopian women who fought against Mussolini's invasion. Centered on Hirut, a young servant who becomes a soldier, the novel highlights her journey from subjugation to empowerment, reflecting Ethiopia’s defiant spirit. Hirut and others rally around a “shadow king” who poses as the deposed Emperor Haile Selassie, using deception to maintain morale and confound Italian forces. Mengiste’s portrayal of the forgotten female warriors and the psychological toll of colonial violence offers a powerful exploration of memory, identity, and courage am...2024-11-0411 minAfrican StoriesUnder the Udala Trees by Chinelo Okparanta
The book focuses on the story of Ijeoma, a young Igbo girl who has lost her father during the Biafran War, and her complex relationship with her mother. The story explores the emotional trauma of war, the struggles of coming of age in a war-torn environment, and the complexities of love, loss, and sexuality. It highlights the influence of societal norms and religious beliefs on Ijeoma's life, particularly her mother's strict adherence to tradition and biblical interpretations. The reader witnesses Ijeoma's journey as she grapples with her mother's expectations, her own desires, and the profound impact of war on...2024-11-0313 minAfrican StoriesThe Famished Road by Ben OkriThe Famished Road by Ben Okri tells the story of Azaro, a spirit-child born into a poor family in a Nigerian ghetto. The narrative follows Azaro as he navigates the complex realities of life, death, and the spirit world. Okri explores themes of poverty, political corruption, and the search for meaning in a challenging world. The story weaves together elements of magical realism, traditional African beliefs, and social commentary to depict a vivid portrait of life on the "famished road" - a metaphorical representation of poverty and hardship.2024-11-0210 minAfrican StoriesThe Girl With The Louding Voice by Abi DaréThe Girl With The Louding Voice utilizes a unique narrative style with a first-person perspective, told in broken English, mirroring the protagonist Adunni's voice as a young, uneducated Nigerian girl. The story portrays Adunni's journey from her rural village where she is forced into an arranged marriage to a man significantly older than her, to her escape and subsequent pursuit of education and independence in Lagos. Through Adunni's experiences, the novel highlights the challenges faced by young women in Nigeria, including poverty, forced marriage, and limited access to education. The text also draws attention to the stark socio-economic disparities...2024-11-0111 minAfrican StoriesFreshwater by Akwaeke Emezi"Freshwater" by Akwaeke Emezi, a groundbreaking novel that blends myth and reality to explore the complexities of identity and the human psyche. Following the journey of Ada, a young woman navigating the struggles of her multiple selves, Emezi intricately weaves themes of spirituality, trauma, and transformation. Set against the backdrop of Nigeria and the U.S., this lyrical narrative delves into the tensions between cultural heritage and personal evolution. With its unique storytelling and rich symbolism, "Freshwater" challenges conventional notions of self and invites readers to reflect on the fluidity of existence.2024-10-3014 minAfrican StoriesDisgrace by J.M. CoetzeeDisgrace by J.M. Coetzee, a renowned South African author. It explores the protagonist, David Lurie, a university professor who finds himself ostracized after an inappropriate relationship with a student. The book focuses on the aftermath of this scandal, as Lurie navigates his newfound disgrace and seeks solace on his daughter's farm in the Eastern Cape. The book explores themes of guilt, shame, redemption, and the complexities of family relationships. It also highlights the broader social and political context of post-apartheid South Africa.2024-10-2913 minAfrican StoriesSo Long a Letter by Mariama BâSo Long a Letter is an epistolary novel written by Senegalese author Mariama Bâ, where the main character, Ramatoulaye, writes letters to her late husband's first wife, Aissatou. The novel explores themes of polygamy, colonialism, and women's liberation in a post-colonial society. The story is framed by Ramatoulaye’s grief over the loss of her husband, Modou, and the events surrounding his death, but it also details her own personal struggles and those of her children. Through her letters, Ramatoulaye reveals the complexities of her own marriage, the societal pressures she faces as a woman in Senegal, and the chal...2024-10-2817 minAfrican StoriesThe No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
The first source provides excerpts from Alexander McCall Smith's novel The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, featuring the character of Mma Ramotswe, a private detective in Botswana. The excerpts introduce the protagonist's business, her client Happy Bapetsi, and a perplexing case involving a man claiming to be Happy's father.
The second source is an excerpt from a different novel by the same author, titled The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency: All Those Years Ago. It is a flashback to Obed Ramotswe, Mma Ramotswe's father, who tells the story of his life as a miner and his subs...2024-10-2716 minAfrican StoriesNo Longer at Ease by Chinua Achebe
Step into the richly woven narrative of "No Longer at Ease" by Chinua Achebe, a powerful exploration of post-colonial Nigeria through the eyes of Obi Okonkwo, a young man caught between tradition and modernity. Returning home after studying in England, Obi grapples with the challenges of identity, cultural expectations, and the complexities of love in a changing society. As he navigates the intricacies of his family's legacy and the moral dilemmas of his new life, Achebe paints a poignant picture of a nation at a crossroads. With sharp social commentary and deep empathy, this novel delves into the conflicts...2024-10-2612 minAfrican StoriesThe secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives by Lola Shoneyin
Dive into the vibrant world of "The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives" by Lola Shoneyin, a captivating tale set in contemporary Nigeria. This compelling narrative unravels the complex dynamics of a polygamous household, where Baba Segi’s four wives navigate love, rivalry, and secrets. As tensions rise and hidden truths emerge, the lives of these women intertwine in unexpected ways, revealing their resilience and strength. With rich cultural insights and sharp humor, Shoneyin crafts a poignant exploration of family, identity, and the search for empowerment. Prepare for a journey that challenges societal norms and celebrates the unbreakable bonds of...2024-10-2507 minAfrican StoriesThe Thing Around Your Neck by Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieChimamanda Ngozi Adichie's The Thing Around Your Neck are a collection of short stories that explore the lives of Nigerian people grappling with themes of culture, identity, and family in both their homeland and the United States. The stories present a variety of narratives that highlight the struggles, triumphs, and complexities of navigating a globalized world and the tensions between tradition and modernity.
2024-10-2410 minAfrican StoriesMy Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan BraithwaiteOyinkan Braithwaite's novel, "My Sister, the Serial Killer" introduces the two main characters, Korede, a nurse, and her sister Ayoola, who is a serial killer. The text provides a glimpse into Korede's life as she tries to manage her sister's murderous tendencies while navigating her own personal and professional life. The book makes use of a dark comedic tone, while exploring themes of family, love, and the complexities of human nature.
2024-10-2311 minAfrican StoriesThe Fishermen by Chigozie ObiomaThe Fishermen by Chigozie Obioma focuses on a family living in Nigeria and the devastating consequences of a madman's prophecy on the family.
2024-10-2216 minAfrican StoriesStay With Me by Ayobami AdebayoThis lovely book tells the story of Yejide, a woman struggling to have children in a polygamous marriage in Nigeria. Her husband, Akin, eventually takes a second wife, Funmi, to appease his mother and his culture. However, Funmi tragically dies at a naming ceremony for Yejide's first child. Throughout the novel, Yejide grapples with infertility, societal expectations, and her own desire for a child. The text explores the complexities of love, loss, and the enduring power of hope.
2024-10-2111 minAfrican StoriesWe Need New Names by NoViolet BulawayoWe Need New Names by NoViolet Bulawayo is a poignant coming-of-age novel that traces the life of Darling, a young girl growing up in Zimbabwe. Set against the backdrop of political unrest, the story explores her childhood in a chaotic, poverty-stricken environment, before she migrates to the United States in search of a better life. The novel delves into themes of displacement, identity, and the struggles of assimilation. Bulawayo's sharp prose contrasts the vibrancy of African culture with the alienation experienced in the diaspora, highlighting the complexities of belonging.2024-10-2008 minAfrican StoriesNervous Conditions by Tsitsi DangarembgaWe follow Tambu, a young girl growing up in Zimbabwe during the time of its independence. The text illustrates Tambu's struggles to navigate her family, education, and expectations within a society still dealing with the impacts of colonialism. Through Tambu's journey, Dangarembga explores themes of gender, class, and the complexities of identity in a post-colonial world.2024-10-1907 minAfrican StoriesPurple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi AdichiePurple Hibiscus follows the life of Kambili, a young girl growing up in a strict and religious Nigerian household. The story explores themes of family dynamics, religious beliefs, political turmoil, and coming of age.
2024-10-1807 minAfrican StoriesHomegoing by Yaa GyasiWe follow Yaa Gyasi through time in "Homegoing." An interesting take that interweaves African and African American history.2024-10-1711 minAfrican StoriesHalf of a Yellow Sun By Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieDeep dive on Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's novel, Half of a Yellow Sun, which tells the story of the Biafran War through the experiences of three individuals: Ugwu, a young houseboy; Olanna, a university graduate; and Kainene, Olanna's twin sister. The novel explores the impact of the war on both ordinary people and intellectuals, and explores themes of love, loss, and survival. The sources also highlight the political context of the war, which began with the secession of the Igbo people of eastern Nigeria to form the independent nation of Biafra, and the resulting three-year civil war.
2024-10-1705 minAfrican StoriesAmericanah By Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieBook Number 2 on a deep dive into other African Storytellers. A Great Read!2024-10-1711 min
African StoriesThings Fall Apart by Chinua AchebeDeep Dive into Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
New series with conversations on other African Storytellers and their bodies of work2024-10-1617 min