Hello everyone!!!!

In continuation of women’s history month, I am sharing books by five female African authors you need to read. 

1. Joys of Motherhood by Buchi Emecheta 

Unlike the title, this book delves into the depths of sorrow, despair and sprinklings of joy that come with motherhood and womanhood in a traditional society. Like most of Emecheta’s books, this book questions notions of womanhood in precolonial Nigeria and the ideas imposed by Christianity and colonialism. 

If you only read one book on this list, read this one!

2.  Changes by Ama Ata Aidoo

Aidoo delves into the complexities of marriages and relationships especially for the modern African woman. She goes back and forth between precolonial and postcolonial Ghana and scrutinizes the double standards and expectations for men and women in relationships. 

3. Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie 

Adichie explores the depths of performative masculinity and the multiplicity of roles played by individuals. While Papa is loved by the church and his coworkers, only his family know his dark and evil persona.   

4. The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives by Lola Shoneyin

The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives gives an insight into the chaos of a polygamous home and the traditional underpinnings. The juxtaposition of Bolanle and Baba Segi is a metaphor for various issues including modernity vs. tradition.  

5. Unbowed by Wangari Maathai

Unbowed is a beautiful memoir that explores Wangari Maathai’s extraordinary life from childhood to marriage to divorce to winning a Nobel Peace Prize and her environmental activism. It is an amazing read and a reminder to stand for what you believe. 

Thanks for reading today’s blog post! I hope you add some or all of these books to your reading list! 

TOBI