I was just surfing through the Internet when i saw this post from Zikoko about timeless Nigerian books. I can remember quite a few i have read. What about you! Memories!!!!!!
According to Zikoko, Here are 16 timeless Nigerian books that the rest of the world ought to
gather, sit down and read in much the same fashion as we used to read
all their tea-sippin’, cookie-lovin’ stories:
1. God’s Big Toe by Obii Nwachukwu-Agbada
This story is about how one spoiled rich boy, Onwubiko’s life changes
when his father dies. An important universal tale for all those
privileged kids that forget to wake up grateful every morning.
2. Without a silver spoon by Eddie Iroh
From a book about a boy who had it all, to a book about a boy who did
not really have anything to begin with. Without a silver spoon teaches
that honesty is indeed the best policy; a universal lesson for everyone.
3. The Second Chance by Nyengi Koin
This is a story of how love conquers all. Move over Romeo and Juliet, come see how real romance plays out.
4. The Passport of Mallam Ilia by Cyprian Ekwensi
It is a story of betrayal and revenge told in such a way that keeps you
captivated to the end. It also shows a glimpse of the Northern Nigerian
culture and history.
5. The Drummer Boy by Cyprian Ekwensi
This is a very touching story of Akin, the blind drummer boy, and all
the many people he meets on his rigmarole sojourn in the world. It’s a
touching tale of what blind trust looks like – both figuratively and
literally.
6. Dizzy Angel by Grace Nma Osifo
What’s it like being an ogbanje? I will never forget that scene where
she describes making herself faint. This one is just a beautiful story
of how in spite of tradition and superstitious beliefs, Ogbanje was
still able to choose her own destiny. It has everything you will love in
a good story, action, drama and yes, what is a good African tale
without a bit of magic?
7. The Bottled Leopard by Chukwuemeka Ike
This epic novel will open your mind to the mystical realities in such a
way that you have never experienced it. You will wake up in the middle
of the night and wonder if you are really alone in the world. The spirit
world will join with the real world. You will learn that before there
were aliens, there were spirits.
8. The Incorruptible Judge by D. Olu Olagoke
Just like it’s title, this book is about a judge that simply refused to
take bribe. Not quite like some real life judges today. But it just goes
to show that there is no “fantastically corrupt” nation, only people.
And also that corruption can exist in the most seemingly insignificant
and subtle of places.
9. Efuru by Flora Nwapa
This is a pioneer story which features a Nigerian heroine that blazed
the trail for many future novels with heroines. It will change
everything the world thought it knew about women in historically
patriarchal Nigeria.
10. The Stillborn by Zaynab Alkali
Yet another book that addresses the female reality in historically and
traditionally patriarchal Nigeria. For all those who think feminism is a
western construct, think again.
11. The Concubine by Elechi Amadi
This strong debut novel does what most novels of that time did; it
explored the power of the spiritual in Nigerian culture. It will also
teach you how to know if you have spirit husband.
12. Toads For Supper by Vincent Chukwuemeka Ike
A complicated tale of love. Inarguably a classic. Which should be more than enough reason to read it.
13. The Last Duty by Isidore Okpewho
The writing style isn’t the only thing to love about this book, there’s
also the strong themes and characters. It’s a powerful book about war
and the emotional and psychological consequences of war and it should
have it’s place up there right next to A Farewell to Arms by Ernest
Hemingway.
14. The Joys of Motherhood by Buchi Emecheta
This story takes you through the life of Nnu Ego and shows you every
woman, or female, you have ever known. And the beauty of it is, this
story is not just a depiction of a Nigerian reality, it shows a glimpse
of a worldwide reality. Pretty heavy stuff!
15. & 16. Eze Goes to School And Eze Goes To College
Co-authored by Onuora Nzekwu and Michael Crowder, is there any book more
iconic than these two? It is the story of a boy who is determined to go
to school despite the many challenges on his way.
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