Book lovers are getting very well fed and our literary bellies have our African authors to thank.

No one does it like African authors and if you are a fan of African literature, chances are you’ll be plunged into a whole new world, different than you are originally used to. These are books that you can relate to, fall in love with and recommend to the ones who have to read them, and that's why we are sharing this with you. 

Nearly All Men In Lagos Are Mad By Damilare Kuku.

Are you really part of the literary world if you haven’t heard about Damilare Kuku’s novel, “Nearly all men in Lagos are mad"? This is by far one of the most widely read and loved books of 2022. Was it the plot of the story? Or the title of the book that had people shook? Or infuriated men and activated their not all men defenses?

 The novel is a collection of twelve stories featuring the voices of different characters telling the story of the trials and tribulations women are subjected to while in relationships with Lagos men. The title of the book is self-explanatory, telling us to expect to laugh hard, look forward to madness, and nod along in agreement. 

From cheating husbands to closeted gay husbands, partners with side chicks and many more. The stories might all be fiction, but what contributed to the hype of this book is how well portrayed, written and realistic the stories are. It’s a quick, easy read and definitely memorable

Synopsis

Nearly All the Men in Lagos are Mad’ is a collection of twelve short stories featuring characters with unique voices and stories that represent the diverse class, gender and ethnic melting pot that is Lagos. – from serial cheaters to mummy’s boys, from the ‘fake it till you make it. The book underscores with wit, humour, wisdom, and sensitivity the perils of trying to find lasting love and companionship in Africa’s craziest city that will prove universal and illuminating.

Yinka, where is your huzband? By Lizzie Damilola Blackburn

We know what you are thinking, Nigerian authors and their peculiar book titles, right? But those book titles are often the best reads, and Blackburn’s “Yinka, where is your husband?” is no exception. The book is a debut novel by Blackburn, but it has already made readers have a run for their money in anticipation of the author’s future novels. If you are a single woman in Nigeria, and always get reminded by your family and relatives, this is a read you can relate to. Being in your thirties and watching everyone's relationship grow, not to mention your sister being pregnant could be a hard take for Yinka, but she sure is a comfort character for many. It’s a sassy, witty book and the audience loves it. Chances are you will too.

Synopsis.

Yinka’s Nigerian aunties frequently pray for her delivery from singledom, her work friends think she’s too traditional (she’s saving herself for marriage!), her girlfriends think she needs to get over her ex already, and the men in her life…well, that’s a whole other story.  But Yinka herself has always believed that true love will find her when the time is right.

     Still, when her cousin gets engaged, Yinka commences Operation Find-A-Date for Rachel’s Wedding. Aided by a spreadsheet and her best friend, Yinka is determined to succeed. Will Yinka find herself a huzband? And what if the thing she really needs to find is herself?

    Yinka, Where is Your Huzband? is a fresh, uplifting story of an unconventional heroine who bravely asks the questions we all have about love. Wry, moving, irresistible, this is a love story that makes you smile but also makes you think–and explores what it means to find your way between two cultures, both of which are yours.

You Made A Fool Of Death With Your Beauty By Akwaeze Emezi.

From pet to The Death Of Vivek Orji, we love Emezi for the beautiful way they construct their language use and the different characters they create in Nigerian literature. The problem is many Nigerians aren’t used to these characters, and things might seem a bit controversial. The story is a heroine-focused romance with a strong lead who is grieving the loss of her husband. A normal Nigerian fiction plot, yes? Only that things get messy and vulgar, with a flawed, work-in-progress female lead. Emezi’s novel is the opposite of the typical grieving women we read. She isn’t going on a smooth ride, being innocent and pure, and having everything together. But what Feyi is, is a broken, chaotic but sexy and passionate character who will take you through a heartbreaking, relatable and magical journey.

Synopsis

You Made A Fool Of Death With Your Beauty, tells the story of Feyi Adekoya, an artist who lost her husband in an accident. It’s been five years, and she still grieves him and hasn’t been on the dating scene until a steamy encounter at a rooftop party cascades into a whirlwind summer she could have never imagined: a luxury trip to a tropical island, decadent meals in the glamorous home of a celebrity chef, and a major curator who wants to launch her art career.  She starts to date this perfect guy, but this new life she asked for isn’t all that it seems. With honouring her past, and wanting to feel alive again, how far can Feyi go for a second chance at love?

Twice As Perfect By Louisa Onomé 

If you are an immigrant in a country like Canada, or you are a child of immigrant parents, this book could hit close to home. It’s a young adult fiction created with realistic characters and realistic events that make you say, “Been there, I know the struggle.” It exhibits a heartfelt story with a loveable character, talks about family, takes you back to high school, throw in a huge Nigerian wedding into the mix too, and we have a perfect blend for what we need this season

Synopsis

A Young Adult novel by Louisa Onomé, Twice As Perfect follows a Nigerian Canadian girl dealing with an estranged older brother, helping her cousin plan a big Nigerian wedding, and pressure from her parents about her future

Wahala By Nikki May

A story about women, friendship and sisterhood? Sign us up right away, please. It follows the story of three women, Ronke, Simi and Boo soaked in their issues, but are tightly knitted and find comfort in each other. If you love twisty interpersonal stories and cosy characters, then this book is for you. It's titled wahala, and that is what defines the events you will meet.

Synopsis

An incisive and exhilarating debut novel of female friendship following three Anglo-Nigerian best friends and the lethally glamorous fourth woman who infiltrates their group. When the high-flying, charismatic Isobel explodes into the group, it seems at first she’s bringing out the best in each woman. (She gets Simi an interview in Hong Kong! goes jogging with Boo!) But the more Isobel intervenes, the more chaos she sows, and Ronke, Simi, and Boo’s close friendship begins to crack.