There’s something special about books by African women writers. They offer fresh perspectives on everything from love and identity to resilience and hope. These authors bring us stories that are as diverse as the continent itself, offering unique voices that reflect a wide range of experiences. Each book is a window into the lives of women navigating the intricacies of love, loss, identity, and self-discovery. With their compelling narratives, these books are our personal invitations to reflect, feel, and learn.
From powerful debuts to upcoming releases, these are the books guaranteed to take us on unforgettable journeys. Here’s a list of what we’re reading now and what we can’t wait to dive into soon.
Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Published: March 2025
Dream Count follows four Nigerian women in their thirties trying to figure out life, love, and success in the U.S. As they chase dreams, navigate messy relationships, and deal with the weight of their pasts, their lives become more intertwined than they ever expected. Sharp, heartfelt, and packed with Adichie's signature wit, this is a story about friendship, ambition, and the search for home.
We Have Everything We Need To Start Again by Koleka Putuma
Published: June 2024
This poetry collection is an exploration of survival, healing, and reclaiming power. In We Have Everything We Need To Start Again, Putuma masterfully weaves together themes of personal and collective trauma, the quest for liberation, and the resilience of African women in the face of adversity. Her work is celebrated for its emotional depth, striking commentary on race and gender, and bold storytelling that refuses to be silenced.
Bantu Knots by Lebo Mazibuko
Published: June 2024
A heartfelt coming-of-age novel, Bantu Knots tells the story of a young South African girl navigating the complexities of womanhood, heritage, and self-discovery. Using Bantu knots as a metaphor for cultural pride and resistance, Mazibuko explores themes of beauty standards, identity, and the pressures that come with growing up in a society that often dictates how Black women should exist.
Ghostroots by Pemi Aguda
Published: May 2024
Set in a mythical version of Lagos, Ghostroots is a stunning debut collection of short stories that explore the often fraught relationships between mothers and daughters haunted by ancestral ghosts. With elements of magical realism and psychological horror, Aguda masterfully crafts narratives that feel both deeply intimate and eerily surreal. The collection was a finalist for the 2024 National Book Award.
We Were Girls Once by Aiwanose Odafen
Published: June 2024
We Were Girls Once follows best friends Ego, Zina, and Eriife as they navigate the turbulence of university life, political unrest, and personal aspirations. Set against the backdrop of Nigeria’s ever-changing landscape, the book explores whether they—and their country—can overcome the obstacles that threaten to tear them apart. Odafen’s storytelling captures the fragility of youth, the strength of female friendship, and the struggle for self-determination.
The Creation Of Half Broken People by Siphiwe Gloria Ndlovu
Expected Release Date: April 2025
Blending African Gothic with historical fiction, this novel delves into themes of madness and female rebellion within the contexts of colonialism, patriarchy, and capitalism. In The Creation Of Half Broken People, Ndlovu’s signature lyrical style brings to life a story of women who refuse to be erased, challenging the forces that seek to silence them.
Somadina by Akwaeke Emezi
Expected Release Date: April 2025
A mesmerising tale set in a magical West African landscape, Somadina follows a young girl on a quest to find her missing twin while navigating her own emerging powers. Emezi, known for their ability to blend spirituality with fantasy, delivers a novel rich in mythology, self-discovery, and the power of sisterhood.
Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami
Published: March 2025
In a world where governments can access people’s dreams, Dream Hotel explores the intersections of surveillance, personal freedom, and resistance. Lalami’s storytelling shines as she crafts a near-future reality that feels unsettlingly close to our own, questioning the limits of privacy and the cost of security.
The House of Rust by Khadija Abdalla Bajaber
Published: May 2021
A breathtaking blend of Swahili folklore and magical realism, The House of Rust follows Aisha, a young girl from Mombasa who embarks on a dangerous sea journey to find her missing fisherman father. Guided by a talking cat and an enigmatic sea captain, she discovers a world filled with strange creatures and hidden secrets. Bajaber’s lyrical prose and imaginative storytelling create a unique coming-of-age tale that explores themes of courage, destiny, and the power of self-belief. Winner of the Graywolf Press African Fiction Prize, this novel is an essential read for lovers of myth and adventure.
The Girl with the Louding Voice (Illustrated Edition) by Abi Daré
Release Date: July 2025
This special edition of The Girl with the Louding Voice brings Adunni’s powerful story to life with stunning illustrations that enhance the emotional weight of her journey. The novel follows a young Nigerian girl determined to fight for her education and independence despite the societal obstacles in her way. Daré’s debut became a global sensation, and this illustrated edition offers an even more immersive reading experience for both new and returning fans.
An Unusual Grief by Yewande Omotoso
Published: February 2021
This quietly uplifting novel follows Mojisola, a reserved woman who embarks on an unexpected journey of self-discovery after the passing of her estranged daughter, Yinka. Moving into Yinka’s apartment, she immerses herself in her daughter's world, uncovering hidden layers of both their lives. What starts as an exploration of grief becomes a story of reinvention, unexpected joy, and newfound freedom. Omotoso’s storytelling in An Unusual Grief is tender and thoughtful, offering a hopeful and quietly humorous look at life, loss, and second chances.
Maame by Jessica George
Published: January 2023
This heartwarming and witty novel follows Maddie, a 25-year-old Ghanaian woman living in London who finally gets the chance to step out of her strict family obligations and experience independence. As she navigates firsts in dating, friendship, and career, she also confronts the grief and cultural expectations that have shaped her. Maame is a funny, moving, and hopeful story about self-discovery and learning to embrace life on your own terms.
The Edge of Water by Olufunke Grace Bankole
Published: February 2025
Spanning Nigeria and post-Katrina New Orleans, The Edge of Water follows three generations of Yoruba women whose lives are shaped by fate, family, and the pull of home. Amina leaves Nigeria for a new life in America, but disaster forces her to reconsider everything. Years later, her daughter searches for the truths that connect them across continents. A lyrical, moving story of identity, resilience, and the ties that bind us.
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