Modern African literature has been welcoming lots of fresh faces in recent years. Hailing from all over the continent, these authors are writing stories that invoke a plethora of emotions, while touching on topics such as racism and social and political issues.
The fiction titles in this list have been written by a handful of these talents and are all available in Audible – an app filled with a wide-ranging assortment of audiobooks. Take your pick and get swept away with a great story today.
And After Many Days
Written by: Jowhor Ile
From: Nigeria
Publication year: 2016
In a nutshell: touching on the history and legacy of British colonisation and the Nigerian civil war, this suspenseful novel centres around the disappearance of a beloved son, Paul, who vanishes in mysterious circumstances. Weaving between events both past and present, it’s a stirring and thought-provoking examination of how a once-ordered family starts to crumble as they fight to uncover the truth.
Riot Baby
Written by: Tochi Onyebuchi
From: Nigeria
Publication year: 2020
In a nutshell: Tochi Onyebuchi’s first adult novel revolves around the diverging paths of two siblings in Los Angeles – one of whom possesses mysterious magical powers, while the other cannot escape the shackles of racism and societal injustice. When their past and present threads cross, their future is brought starkly into question. This winner of the 2020 New England Book Award for Fiction and the 2021 ALA Alex Award is a must for your audiobook list.
The Old Drift
Written by: Namwali Serpell
From: Zambia
Publication year: 2019
In a nutshell: this dazzling novel interweaves a variety of characters and storylines, as it explores the endless conflicts between three different families living on the banks of the Zambezi river. Over the course of centuries, as lives collide and tales of love, politics and family unfold, The Old Drift asks what the real meaning of being a human is.
She Would Be King
Written by: Wayétu Moore
From: Liberia
Publication year: 2018
In a nutshell: through a captivating mix of history and magical realism, this novel retells the story of the birth of Liberia in the 19th century. Against the backdrop of the transatlantic slave trade, three strangers with magical powers meet in Monrovia. But are those powers a blessing or a curse?
My Sister, the Serial Killer
Written by: Oyinkan Braithwaite
From: Nigeria
Publication year: 2018
In a nutshell: the explosive tale of two sisters who couldn’t be more different: Korede works as a nurse while Ayoola is the titular serial killer. Family comes first, but will Korede continue to protect her sister when the life of the person she admires most is in danger? Despite the premise of this dark thriller, there’s plenty of humour throughout and it’s a heartfelt look at the bond of siblings.
The Wife’s Tale
Written by: Aida Edemariam
From: Ethiopia
Publication year: 2018
In a nutshell: in this deeply personal and intimate story, Aida Edemariam explores the life of her paternal grandmother, Yetemegnu. It’s a poignant portrayal that delves into the ways in which Ethiopia’s tumultuous history frequently intersected with Yetemegnu’s extraordinary life.