Things Fall Apart
About the book
Okonkwo's story depicts an Igbo community transformed by colonisation and missionaries.
Africa · A READING GUIDE
Nigeria
Chinua Achebe portrays Igbo society before and after colonial disruption. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie moves from domestic violence through the Biafran war to migration and return. Buchi Emecheta questions fulfilment through motherhood, while Wole Soyinka recalls childhood in Aké. Ben Okri offers another route: an abiku child’s world where spirits coexist with politics and poverty.
WHERE TO START
- Things Fall ApartChinua Achebe
- Purple HibiscusChimamanda Ngozi Adichie
- AkeWole Soyinka
Books to begin with
An editorial selection · not rankedNo matches. Try another language or search term.
Purple Hibiscus
About the book
Kambili's coming of age reveals violence and religious rigidity in an affluent Nigerian family.
Half of a Yellow Sun
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Several intertwined lives connect love and daily life with the Biafran war.
Americanah
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A Nigerian couple experiences migration, racism and homecoming.
Ake
About the book
The writer recalls childhood in the Yoruba town of Aké before and during the Second World War.
Original title: Aké: The Years of Childhood
The Famished Road
About the book
The spirit-child Azaro moves between spirits and a poor neighbourhood in modern Nigeria.
The Joys of Motherhood
About the book
Nnu Ego's life questions the fulfilment society promises through motherhood.
Arrow of God
About the book
The priest Ezeulu's conflict with colonial authorities disrupts an Igbo community.
No Longer at Ease
About the book
Educated in England, Obi returns to Nigeria to confront corruption and compromised ideals.
Dream Count
About the book
Four women between Nigeria and America confront love, desire and disappointment.
The Thing Around Your Neck
About the book
Stories of families, migration and encounters between Nigerian and American cultures.
Context and sources
Sources on authors and their connections to this country. Specific edition details appear beside each book. Polish and English originals are not labelled as translations.
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