This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s fall editorial intern Alayna Thomas. Find her on Instagram at @ratatoolie. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
I was a voracious reader as a child. I loved going to the library and bookstores, losing myself for hours in worlds different from my own. However, whenever I would read books, I knew that I was different from a lot of the characters. Most of the protagonists I encountered were White and/or European. As a Black child, I could not relate to them fully. I wanted to find books that were filled with people like me, from my background and my culture.
When I was in high school, I had a chance to open my horizons with two English classes that fundamentally changed my thinking: World Literature and Modern African Literature. When I was younger, I wasn’t aware of African literature! As I’ve gotten older and continue expanding my world view, I find myself always looking into West African literature. For example, issues of decolonization are present in many African books, even books from the 1960’s. If you want to be a world thinker and truly look into decolonization, I suggest you give West African literature a try. Here are a few to get you started.
Things Fall Apart
This novel by Chinua Achebe is a quintessential read. It follows the story of Okonkwo, a wealthy villager of the Umuofia tribe in what is now Nigeria. It follows his fall from grace from being respected by his tribe to being an exile and outcast. This story also somewhat follows the fate of his tribe as Christian missionaries exert their influence. Okonkwo (and his people) find themselves caught between two worlds: the traditions of their Igbo ancestors and the ways of Western missionaries.
Achebe wrote this book during the 1950’s in the midst of the Nigerian Independence movement. Even though Things Fall Apart takes place during the 1890’s, this novel makes a commentary on the idea of Nigeria being ‘new’.
Graceland
Graceland by Chris Abani is about a Nigerian teenager named Elvis who works as an Elvis impersonator in order to save up enough money to move out of the slums. He has a rough homelife, living with his abusive and alcoholic father. Additionally, Elvis must resist the temptation of getting involved with the wrong crowd; he sees drug money as quick money.
This novel examines postcolonialism and cultural imperialism. American culture is pervasive in Elvis’ life and many in this novel have an idealized version of the American Dream.
Segu
This novel takes place in the commune of Ségou, which is now in Mali. The story starts in 1797 and examines the effects of Christianity, Islam, and both the Transatlantic and Arab slave trade on the royal family of Segu. Dousika, the king’s advisor, has four sons who all follow very different fates. One becomes a reluctant Christian missionary, another is kidnapped into slavery. One son rejects his culture and embraces Islam, and another son rejects foreign influences but becomes a poor merchant.
The author, Maryse Condé, was of Guadeloupean origin. Her books deal with the African diaspora and the shared history that Black communities have. Segu takes readers across decades and continents for this narrative.
Purple Hibiscus
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is well-known for her Ted Talk being sampled in Beyonce’s hit song, Flawless, but she is an amazing novelist.
Purple Hibiscus follows Kambili and Jaja, two privileged Nigerian teens who live in a strict, Christian household. A military coup happens and Kambili and Jaja are sent to live with their aunt. Their aunt has less material wealth, but fosters a loving home. Issues such as abiding by traditional African ways or Western ways and the line between abuse and affection are spread throughout.
One of my favorite things about this book is the opening line, which is a subtle wink to the name of one of the other books featured on this list!
Aya
This graphic novel is about a teenage girl named Aya. We see her and her friends get into humorous situations in late 1970’s Ivory Coast. This book is refreshing, even though the characters live in a working class neighborhood, Yop City, author Marguerite Abouet refrains from making Ivory Coast seem like an impoverished nation. It is a hopeful and uplifting story, something that we need a lot more of.
This novel is part of a series that continues Aya’s journey through young adulthood. These are great for a fun and easy read.
The Girl with the Louding Voice
This is the debut novel of Nigerian author Abi Daré. The Girl with the Louding Voice tells the story of fourteen year old Adunni. She wants to get an education but is sold off by her father as a third wife to an older man who doesn’t treat her well. She then goes to Lagos, where she works as a domestic servant for Big Madam. Even through all this, Adunni is determined to find her voice and receive an education.
This novel touches on themes of child slavery and exploitation as well as sexism and education. It has a GoodReads choice award and was a New York Times Bestseller.
At Night All Blood Is Black
Written by David Diop, At Night All Blood Is Black is about Alfa Ndiaye, a Senegalese man who is a part of the Senegalese Trailluers, an infantry of the French army during World War I. After refusing to perform an honor killing on his adopted brother, Mademba, he slowly loses his mind, murdering blue-eyed German soldiers and severing their hands. At first, his comrades are impressed with him. But soon, there are rumors that Alfa is superhuman and evil.
This novel is interesting because it focuses on a part of World War I history that is not very well-known. It also has elements of horror and magic, making this an compelling read. I like how it brings up the issue of Western countries using Africans and other minorities to fill up spaces in their armies for their wars. It takes a toll on these people who have little to no stake in these conflicts.
What do you think about the recommendations? Will you read any? Do you like West African literature? Let us know in the comments below!
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