By Peace Osemwengie.
We are giddy with excitement and positively quaking in our boots too. I mean, it’s the year 2020! And we have been teased mercilessly by sneak peeks and prompts and snippets in interviews. There are a lot of books by African authors to be released but we have selected the top three guaranteed to leave you panting and wanting for more. Enjoy, in anticipation.
1. Transcendent kingdom – Yaa Gyasi
If you read Gyasi’s debut novel, Homecoming, then you are no doubt waiting to get more from this beautifully talented Ghanaian-American. This book tells the story of a Ghanaian family living in Alabama, in the United States of America. Transcendent kingdom explores just how limiting the biological sciences can be in explaining life’s questions and how far faith may go in pursuit of love and assurance. It is a deeply woven, multi layered book and will leave you panting for more. Release date is 8 September, 2020.
2. The death of Vivek Oji – Akwaeke Emezi
This one reminds us of the pain and grief that comes with losing a child, nonetheless, the investigation of the child’s mysterious death reveals truths that would have been better off uncovered. It explores the clash of culture, expectations and youthful innocence. This book is bound to leave you stalking the author, positively, of course, on social media. Release date is 4 August, 2020.
3. Ikenga – Nnedi Okorafor
All hail the queen of afrofuturism! If you have read Akatawarrior, Akata Witch or Binti, then Okorafor should be no stranger to you. Weaving science fiction and fantasy with the history and mythology of the Ibo people of West Africa, Okorafor spins yet another tale about a boy who is granted powers by the magical Ikenga and is charged to use these powers for good only. Well, he is a child, so what do you think happens next? Release date is 18 August, 2020.
What books are you most anxious about?