Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, one of the giants of African literature who dedicated his life to activism through storytelling, has gone to join the ancestors. He was, and will always remain, one of my favourite writers. His novels Weep Not, Child and A Grain of Wheat weren’t just assigned texts for my undergraduate degree; they were […]
Celebrating Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o Read More »
This quarter is shaping up to be an exciting time for new books by acclaimed black authors. From Nobel Prize winners to rising stars, there’s a diverse array of voices and perspectives to dive into. Whether you’re in the mood for thought-provoking contemporary fiction, gripping dystopian tales, or thrilling crime narratives, this lineup has something
Captivating Narratives: 8 Must-Read Books by Black Authors Read More »
As we embark on a new year, many of us are setting resolutions focused on self-improvement and personal growth. One of the most enriching habits you can cultivate during this time is the joy of reading. Whether you are looking to expand your knowledge, escape into new worlds, or simply enjoy some quiet time, reading
New to Reading? Your Guide to Developing a Lifelong Habit in 2025 Read More »
Ways of Sunlight by Sam Selvon A review by Katrina Kushinga This is a book of short stories divided into two parts. Both parts set around the 1950s, the first stories take place in Trinidad and the second group in London. Each Trinidadian story rolls on into the next without pausing between anecdotes until the
Bound to Violence (Le Devoir de Violence) by Yambo Ouologuem A Review by Katrina Kushinga Initially, I found “Bound to Violence” difficult to enjoy and I persevered out of duty but gradually I was absorbed and fascinated. I became enthralled by the beauty of the descriptive language, amused by the sarcasms and engrossed in trying
If you’re eager to dive into captivating narratives brought to life by exceptional writers, you’re in for a treat with the 2023 Caine Prize shortlist. The Caine Prize for African Writing is an annual literary award recognising exceptional talent within the African literary landscape. It seeks to highlight the best original short stories by African
2023 Caine Prize for African Writing: Celebrating African Literary Excellence Read More »
A Review by Taiwo Awoyungbo In the Shadow of Ruin, Tony Debajo’s debut novel is the first in the (planned three book) Fractured Kingdom series, and it shows. This thrilling story (and I anticipated really enjoying reading about the fall of a fictional ancient Yoruba kingdom) may improve as the series progresses. But reading it
Strictly Friends by Frances Mensah Williams – Friendship, Love and Identity in the African Diaspora. Strictly Friends by Frances Mensah Williams is a delightful romance novel that takes the reader on a journey of love, friendship, family, and self-discovery. The protagonist, Ruby Lamont, is a single mother who decides to travel to a Caribbean island
David Harewood is a critically acclaimed actor who has starred in Homeland, Blood Diamond, and The Night Manager. He is also a survivor of a psychotic breakdown that led him to be sectioned under the Mental Health Act when he was 23 years old. In his memoir, Maybe I Don’t Belong Here, he shares his
A Review of The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho by Paterson Joseph The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho by Paterson Joseph is a captivating novel that portrays the life of an extraordinary man born on a slave ship in the mid-Atlantic. The story follows Sancho’s journey from being an orphaned slave to becoming