Many Black writers have explored some realities of their ancestors and turned their rich cultural history into literary masterpieces. Black culture, heritage, traditions and, unfortunately, discrimination are some topics that authors of African descent have tackled within their writing. However, bringing these themes to various pages has opened up thought-provoking discussions and transformed unique narratives into timeless gems. Here are 12 books worth reading that spotlights the African diaspora.
1. Native Son by Richard Wright
Recently adapted into a movie by HBO, Native Son was first published in 1940. Author Richard Wright examines the tough conditions within impoverished Black neighborhoods in the early 20th century; conditions that sadly haven't changed much today.
Wright's text focuses on Chicago’s South Side, exploring the impact of racism and social issues on the main character Bigger Thomas. Bigger goes down a rabbit hole of crime following a fatal incident with Mary Thomas, his white employer. After too many drinks and wrong decisions, Bigger walks an intoxicated Mary back to her bedroom. Afraid that Mary’s blind mother will hear them and assume the worse, Bigger grabs a pillow in an attempt to keep Mary quiet but instead smothers her. Wright examines the tough conditions within impoverished Black neighborhoods in the 1930s. Again, many still face similar conditions in America today.
2. Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
Acclaimed as one of the greatest novels in American literature, Ralph Ellison captures the feelings of Black men being unseen and undervalued in American society, in Invisible Man. The tale introduces a nameless protagonist, who lives underground after moving from the deep South to New York. He manages to tap into his personal identity within a society that looks right through him, as if he truly is undetectable. Ellison’s narrative remains a relevant experience for many Black Americans in today's turbulent racial climate.
3. New Daughters of Africa: An International Anthology of Writing By Women of African Descent Edited by Margaret Busby
New Daughters of Africa compiles stories from over 200 female authors of African descent, who live in different cities around the world. The book is the follow up to the critically praised anthology Daughters of Africa. For the second time, Margaret Busby pulls together an assortment of stories representing an honest account of the new generation of women from the diaspora.
4. Dear Haiti, Love Alaine by Maika and Maritza Moulite
Haitian-American sisters Maika and Maritza Moulite wrote Dear Haiti, Love Alaine to share their culture with the world. Expressed via an array of diary entries, articles and other letter formats, the story begins with a school incident that causes the main character Alaine Beauparlant to get suspended and sent off to Haiti with her mom. Deeply rooted family secrets are uncovered as Alaine takes a look into her Haitian background.
5. She Would Be King: A Novel by Wayétu Moore
Wayétu Moore brings characters to life across the globe in She Would Be King: A Novel. Set in Liberia during the trans-Atlantic slave trade, three pivotal characters uncover supernatural abilities within themselves. Their powers help them survive the harsh realities of slavery and abuse while forming life long friendships. The Afrofuturistic fantasy explores the yearning for freedom, self-discovery and unseen magical forces. Moore’s novel expounds upon Liberian history while sharing themes of love and the distant relationship between African Americans and indigenous people.
6. Binti by Nnedi Okorafor
According to Nnedi Okorfor’s website, the author is known for showcasing dynamic characters within imaginative universes with stories alluding to African origins. Okorafor, who is of Nigerian descent, intertwines her Igbo culture into the science fiction series Binti. Title character Binti is selected to attend the intergalactic Oomza University. However, to accept the offer, she must survive the onset of war and avoid a strange enemy species.
7. Known and Strange Things: Essays by Teju Cole
Nigerian-American Teju Cole shares a collection of essays in his book Known and Strange Things. In this collection of stories, Cole showcases his passion for travel, photography, politics and more, beautifully tying the creative words of past authors to current events that affect the Black community.
8. Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
Ghanaian-born and Alabama-raised author Yaa Gyasia explores the history of her culture in her debut novel Homegoing. The book traces genesis of eight generations, starting with two Ghanaian half-sisters Effai and Esi. While Effai marries a man who is well off in Ghana, her half-sister is imprisoned and sold into U.S. slavery. As Esi's family withstands the brutality of American slavery and the Civil War, Effai's descendants undergo the genocide and wars between slave traders in Ghana.
9. New-Generation African Poets edited by Chris Abani and Kwame Dawes
Save on "New-Generation African Poets" by Kwame Dawes & Chris Abani https://t.co/s39dYdZ383 pic.twitter.com/rHOpVoWoE6
— AfroBookClub (@MyAfroBookClub) May 23, 2016
New-Generation African Poets, is a chapbook featuring both well-known and new, emerging African poets, who are selected by The African Poetry Book Fund. The collection is designed to showcase these scarcely heard poetic voices on an annual basis. As such, it elevates unique stories from the continent and shares them with the world.
10. Betrayal in the City by Francis D. Imbuga
Kenya native Francis D. Imbuga a professor and award-winning playwright published the play Betrayal in the City, in 1976. His story explores the challenges of independent African states after colonial rule. Using the fictional country named Kafira, the author highlights the politics and ideologies that corrupt most nations.
11. At the Bottom of the River by Jamaica Kincaid
At the Bottom of the River is a beautiful collection of short stories by Antiguan novelist Jamaica Kincaid. The series reflects Kincaid's childhood and relationship with her mother. At the same time, the author sheds light on the traditions of Caribbean households, allowing readers to take a glimpse into the upbringing and customs of West Indian families.
12. The Lost Child by Caryl Phillips
Caryl Phillips is an award-winning author, who was originally born in St. Kitts. His novel The Lost Child is a reimagining of the classic gothic romance novel Wuthering Heights. Phillips' adaptation follows Heathcliff, who is a Black character. However, the primary storyline focuses on Monica Johnson, a young girl who is exiled from her British family after she falls in love with a Black man. In both narratives feelings of belonging and alienation are expressed.
Diverse narratives from the African diaspora bring enriching elements to characters and storylines. Tales of love, freedom, vengeance and race find deeper meaning when attached to the history of Black writers, making these titles captivating choices for your next read.
