Open Country Mag, a leading voice in African literature, film, and culture, has unveiled its highly anticipated list of 60 notable books for 2024. This annual tradition showcases works by African authors that have made an indelible mark across fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. From groundbreaking novels to thought-provoking memoirs and evocative poetry collections, this year’s selections reflect the diversity and richness of African storytelling.
Fiction
The fictional stories selected for the booklist embody the theme of “adventure” with remarkable finesse. These tales span imaginative plots that unfold across Africa and beyond, blending creativity with cultural richness. Many of them skillfully employ techniques like foreshadowing and nonlinear timelines, weaving together narratives that captivate and delight readers. The category also features a diverse representation of genres, including horror, romance, and historical fiction, showcasing the versatility of African storytelling. Unique and unconventional writing styles are celebrated, such as Teju Cole’s Pharmakon, a travelogue that pairs stunning photographs from around the world with compelling short stories. Other standout works, like Road to the Country by Chigozie Obioma and The Seers by Sulaiman Addonia, tackle societal ills with unflinching honesty, offering profound reflections on real-life events.
These novels delve into aspects of life often left unspoken, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of everyday people with extraordinary twists. Their relatability and ability to expand readers’ perspectives make them truly captivating. For instance, Someone Birthed Them Broken by Diaka Ama Asantewa poignantly narrates the challenges faced by young people in the nation, resonating deeply with universal experiences. Collectively, the selected books evoke the nostalgia of late-night reading sessions as a teen, immersing you in stories infused with African zest, intriguing characters, and sobering truths. This collection is a testament to the enduring magic of fiction and its power to inspire, inform, and entertain.
Non Fiction
This category highlights memoirs, biographies, and autobiographies that boldly capture authentic, personal stories while addressing pressing societal issues. These works are marked by their strong tones and distinct storytelling styles, leaving readers both moved and reflective. An Imperfect Storm, co-written by Chikwe Ihekweazu and Vivianne Ihekweazu, recounts the harrowing realities of the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspective of Chikwe, who served as the Director General of Nigeria’s Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). Similarly, Love Offers No Safety by Olumide F. Makanjuola and Jude Dibia explores complex themes of sexuality, art, history, and blackness, shedding light on often-overlooked facets of the human condition.
Several of the featured narratives are written by survivors determined to ensure their voices are heard and their experiences preserved. These works chronicle historic events that demand remembrance, serving as powerful reminders to both society and governments of the consequences of conflict and neglect. The World Was in Our Hands, narrated by Sarah Johnson and Anthony Opeyemi, offers firsthand accounts of individuals enduring the Boko Haram insurgency. In My Mother, My Teacher, Bahia Mahmud Awah recounts his family’s displacement due to the failed decolonization of Western Sahara. These books not only share original, deeply personal stories but also hold perpetrators accountable, fearlessly pointing out injustices and demanding change.
Poetry
The poetry collections featured in this category stand out for their poignant exploration of culture, history, and identity, weaving tales of black resilience, freedom, and courage. Each poet interprets freedom differently, presenting deeply personal yet universally resonant perspectives. In Monster, Dzifa Benson delves into the struggles faced by women, while Folomo Ayokunle’s Autobyomitography examines the lingering impact of colonization. Oburumu’s Origins of the Syma Species draws from his roots in Syma, intertwining his upbringing by a single parent with his own experiences as a single father, offering a bold and intimate narrative.
Every poetry collection on this list carries a vital story and a profound message. Yale Saweda Kamara, an acclaimed Sierra Leonean poet, uses her award-winning collection Besaydo to navigate the intricate intersections of identity, culture, and love. The brilliance of this poetry selection lies in its collective portrayal of origins, strength, and resistance. Through evocative language, rhythm, and rhyme, these works confront the world’s harsh realities, unmasking the forces that threaten individuality while celebrating the unyielding spirit of humanity.
The Open Country Magazine has curated a truly remarkable list of works that deserve attention. Every story is worth reading and has something important to say about the value of culture, resisting the all-consuming pulls of colonialism, and staying true to one’s authentic self. The main personas preach the significance of curiousity and show what can happen to people when they have been silenced for far too long. You can check out the full list here
