African Literature

Especially from a feminist standpoint, Buchi Emecheta is a trailblazer whose work still inspires and connects with readers today while examining the terrain of African literature. Emecheta's work provides young people—especially those drawn in by issues of identity, gender, and social justice—a potent and real window into the realities of African women. Who Was Buchi Emecheta? Born in Lagos, Nigeria, on July 21, 1944, Florence Onyebuchi "Buchi" Emecheta was a writer,…

One of those novels you find impossible to put down once you take it up is Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. More important, however, is a book you carry with you long after you have turned the final page. Things Fall Apart is a great launching point for young readers—especially those just starting to discover African literature. Along with a gripping narrative, this book provides a glimpse into Africa's rich…

Regarding African literature, one name dominates the others: Chinua Achebe. Achebe is both a portal and a lighthouse for the younger generation, particularly those just starting to traverse the vast territory of African literature. His paintings are a vast tapestry of African life, culture, and history, not just narratives. Achebe is a fundamental person for everyone interested in the literature of the continent as he uses his words to convey the…