Nigerian authors have become really popular worldwide because of their great stories and how they tell them. From exciting novels to deep poems, Nigerian literature is full of amazing stories that reflect Nigerian culture.
We’ve handpicked 10 amazing reads by Nigerian authors that are sure to keep you glued to your seat. From heartwarming tales to spine-tingling mysteries, there’s something here for you.
Without further ado, here’s our curated list:
Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
Set in a fantastical world inspired by West African mythology, this epic tale follows Zélie, a young girl with magical powers, as she embarks on a quest to restore magic to her kingdom and overthrow a ruthless monarchy. With its rich world-building, exhilarating action, and powerful themes of oppression and resistance, this novel is a thrilling ride from start to finish. The story doesn’t end here, the second book, Children of Virtue and Vengeance, is already available, and the next installment, Children of Anguish and Anarchy, is set to be released in 2024.
Mechanics of Yenagoa by Michael Afenfia
Set in the bustling city of Yenagoa in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region, “Mechanics of Yenagoa” follows the lives of a group of young mechanics as they navigate the complexities of friendship, love, and ambition. Against the backdrop of political unrest and social change, the novel explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the pursuit of dreams in a rapidly evolving society.
My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
Mixing dark humor with thrilling suspense, this novel takes us into the twisted relationship between two sisters – one a charming nurse, the other a cold-blooded killer. When Ayoola’s murderous tendencies threaten to unravel their carefully constructed facade, Korede is forced to confront the true nature of their bond, leading to a gripping tale of loyalty, betrayal, and sibling rivalry.
When We Were Fireflies Abubakar Ibrahim
Abubakar Ibrahim’s book “When We Were Fireflies” is like taking a trip down memory lane. In the story, a guy named Yarima Lalo has a strange experience when he sees a moving train for the first time. It reminds him of his past lives, where he died a couple of times, once on a train. He also meets Aziza, a woman with her own complicated history, who helps him make sense of what’s happening.
With the possibility of another death coming, they team up to find clues from his past lives. Will they find proof that he’s losing his mind, or will they uncover the people who used to know him?
A Spell of Good Things by Ayobami Adebayo
From the author who brought us the unforgettable “Stay With Me” comes “A Spell of Good Things.”
In this book, we meet Eniola, a young boy who dreams of a brighter future, and Wuraola, a hardworking doctor. Their lives intertwine against the backdrop of Nigeria, showing us the power of hope and resilience. Join them on a journey filled with love, ambition, and the magic of everyday life.
Read Also: 101 Nigerian Street Slangs and Chat Abbreviations You Should Know
Orchestra of Minorities by Chigozie Obioma
“Orchestra of Minorities” by Chigozie Obioma is a powerful novel that follows the journey of Chinonso, a poultry farmer in Nigeria, as he navigates love, loss, and betrayal. It’s like taking a deep dive into Chinonso’s life, feeling his hopes and struggles as if they were your own. The novel is beautifully written, with rich descriptions that bring the Nigerian landscape to life. Through Chinonso’s story, Obioma explores themes of fate, destiny, and the search for redemption, leaving readers with a profound and unforgettable reading experience.
Yinka, Where is Your Husband by Lizzie Blackburn
In this novel, we follow the story of Yinka, a Nigerian woman navigating the complexities of marriage, family, and societal expectations. As she grapples with the pressures to find a husband, Yinka embarks on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, challenging traditional norms along the way.
A Broken People’s Playlist by Chimeka Garricks
“A Broken People’s Playlist” by Chimeka Garricks is a book full of short stories about different people going through tough times. It’s like flipping through a playlist of songs that match the emotions they’re feeling. Each story is about resilience and hope, even when things get hard. Garricks’ writing is really honest and makes you feel like you’re right there with the characters, going through it all. It’s a reminder that no matter what life throws at us, we can find strength in ourselves and in others.
Questions for Ada by Ijeoma Umebinyuo
“Questions for Ada” is a powerful poetry collection by Ijeoma Umebinyuo that explores themes of love, identity, womanhood, and the African diaspora. Through lyrical verses and evocative imagery, Umebinyuo delves into the complexities of human relationships and the search for meaning in a world marked by struggle and resilience.
Read Also: The Artistic Legacy of Ladi Kwali: Nigeria’s Pottery Icon
Madhouse by TJ Benson
The story is about two special people who meet by chance because of a house. They have two boys named André and Max, who are really close. Everything seems fine until the boys start having the same dreams. Their lives get messed up with scary thoughts and weird dreams that make it hard to tell what’s real. It’s set in Nigeria during a time when things were rough because of the government. The story shows how people deal with tough times and try to keep their family together.
Honourable Mentions
It was really tough to pick only ten books for this article because there are so many great ones out there. So, here are a couple more books that are also worth mentioning:
The Girl With the Louding Voice by Abi Daré
Set in Nigeria, “The Girl with the Louding Voice” follows the journey of Adunni, a young Nigerian girl who dreams of getting an education and finding her voice in a society that seeks to silence her. Facing adversity and injustice, Adunni embarks on a quest for freedom and self-determination, challenging societal norms and cultural expectations along the way. If you enjoy this book then be on the lookout for “And So I Roar,” set to be released in 2024.
Nearly All The Men In Lagos Are Mad by Damilare Kuku
In this novel, Damilare Kuku explores the interconnected lives of various characters in Lagos, Nigeria. From the perspectives of both men and women, the story delves into the complexities of love, desire, and mental health in a rapidly changing urban landscape. Through vivid storytelling and compelling characters, Kuku offers a nuanced portrayal of life in Lagos, touching on themes of identity, ambition, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world.
The queen of funny titles is coming out with a new book in 2024 titled “Only Big Bum Bum Matters Tomorrow.“
Love in Colour by Bolu Babalola
“Love in Colour” by Bolu Babalola is like a book of love stories, but with a twist. Instead of just regular love stories, it takes old stories from different cultures and gives them a fresh makeover. It’s like seeing classic love tales in a whole new light. Babalola’s writing makes you feel like you’re right there in the story, feeling all the emotions along with the characters. It’s a beautiful celebration of love and diversity, showing that love comes in many shapes and forms, and it’s something everyone can relate to.
Conclusion
So there you have it – our list of 10-ish amazing books by Nigerian authors that every Gen Z reader should check out. Reading books by Nigerian authors introduces you to new worlds and interesting characters. Regardless of your favorite theme – romance, mystery, fantasy, or something else – there’s a book on this list that will grab your attention and keep you hooked.
Give Nigerian literature a chance today. You might discover your new favorite book – or even your new favorite author. Happy reading!