Brittle Paper has unveiled its list of 100 most notable books published by African writers in 2024, offering a curated collection of stories that celebrate the depth and diversity of African literature. From Uché Okonkwo’s moving short story collection A Kind of Madness to Tomi Adeyemi’s globally acclaimed conclusion to her Legacy of Orisa fantasy series Children of Anguish and Anarchy and Jacqueline Asiimwe’s poignant memoir Facing Mountains, the list has something for every kind of reader.
Since 2018, Brittle Paper has been curating this list to highlight books that leave a lasting impact on African literary culture. The selection process involves tracking African-authored books published in English throughout the year and identifying those that made a significant mark—whether by sparking critical conversations, exploring unique themes, shining a light on underrepresented perspectives, or simply showcasing exceptional writing.
The 2024 list spans an impressive 25 countries, including Botswana, São Tomé, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Namibia, Sudan, Egypt, Cameroon, Western Sahara, Togo, South Africa, and Nigeria. This diversity reflects the pan-African spirit of contemporary African writing. The visual culture surrounding books is also thriving, as seen in the stunning book cover designs featured this year.
Speaking about the list, Ainehi Edoro, founder of Brittle Paper, remarked:
“I would be honest and say that curating this year’s list has been the hardest because of how many good books are coming out. Around 30% of the books on the list are debuts, a figure we’ve seen remain steady in recent years. This tells us there is an organic growth of new voices.”
Whether it’s wildly popular releases or quieter, significant contributions, this list celebrates the breadth and depth of African literature today. As we look forward to 2025, it’s clear that African writers are poised to continue leaving their mark on the global literary scene.
Click here to explore the full list and discover your next great read.
Happy reading!
Bongiwe T. Maphosa
Bongiwe Maphosa is a budding author with a passion for storytelling. With her thought-provoking narratives, she takes her readers on a literary adventure. Bongiwe's works on the human condition from a fresh perspective have earned her recognition and publications in the Avbob Poetry Anthology of 2019, The Writer's Club of South Africa 2021, and JAY Lit in 2021. She hopes to cement her place in the literary community.
