The cover of the Year’s Best African Speculative Fiction Volume 3 has been released and it is awe-inspiring. A creation of Cyrielle Prückner, the cover isa reflection of what awaits the reader when turning the first page.
Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki and Chinaza Eziaghighala co-authored the third volume in this highly praised series (the first won the World Fantasy Award). Previous works have been praised for their eclectic mix of stories, offering a panorama of themes and styles. For instance, the 2021 edition included a story about a woman struggling with her identity and relationship in the face of a thought-recording device, a tale of a man fostering a rapidly evolving robot, and an adventurous narrative about a sentient robot dog engaging in space piracy.
These stories not only explored advanced technologies and speculative scenarios but also delved deep into human emotions, relationships, and societal issues.
Themes of personal struggles, such as dealing with depression, anxiety, and feelings of alienation, were also prominent. These were manifested through unique and powerful metaphors, like a woman whose detachable body parts symbolised her sense of disintegration and invisibility, or a story that portrayed the torment of self-contempt through the constant barrage of negative thoughts from imaginary entities.
The anthology also ventured into mythic dimensions, echoing the voices and histories of entire cultures through concise yet profound storytelling. For example, flash fiction pieces in the collection reached the heights of epic poetry, encapsulating the journey of human life and cultural evolution.
With such a backdrop, the 2023 volume can be expected to continue this tradition of blending speculative elements with deep human experiences and cultural narratives. It’s likely to feature stories that push the boundaries of imagination while staying grounded in the complexities of the human condition. Readers can anticipate a collection that not only entertains but also provokes thought and offers new perspectives on both the future and the present. The anthology is not just a showcase of speculative fiction; it’s a celebration of African storytelling, creativity, and the endless possibilities within the realm of speculative fiction.
This title will be released on the 26th of November 2024.
Kudos to Cyrielle, Oghenechovwe, and Chinaza!
Bongiwe T. Maphosa
Bongiwe Maphosa is a writer whose fiction and poetry offers fresh, imaginative perspectives on the human condition. Her work has been published in prominent literary spaces, including Isele Magazine, Akowdee Magazine, the AVBOB Poetry Anthology, Journal of African Youth in Literature (JAY Lit), and more. She was also nominated for the 2025 Best of the Net Anthology. Bongiwe is one of six writers selected for the inaugural Caine Prize Online Editing program and serves as a content writer, peer reviewer, and tier three awards judge for JAYLit. Bridging inner reflection with speculative worlds, she continues to carve out a distinctive voice within contemporary African literature for a growing global audience.
