African Literature

While traveling we've had lots of time to read - long bus rides, etc. We've tried to read African books as much as possible. Thought we'd give you a quick list, in case you're interested:

"We are all the same" by Jim Wooten - Soon to be a movie, the novel recounts the life of Nkosi Johnson, a South African boy who was born with HIV and with his adopted white mother stood up against Mbeki's weird notions of AIDS. Really good book.

"Last King of Scotland" by Giles Foden. Similar to the movie, but there are some substantial differences. Interesting insights into Idi Amin and Uganda.

"Cry, the beloved country" by Alan Paton. A classic novel set in South Africa, just before apartheid was formalized. Incredible story.

"Things Fall Apart" by the award winning Nigerian author Chinua Achebe. It's a folk tale set in Nigeria, giving insights into traditional African culture, and what started to happen when the white missionaries and governors arrived. Our guide in the Usambara mountains in Tanzania said he studied this book in secondary school - though it's set in Nigeria, it's relevant to all sub-saharan africans.

"Purple Hibiscus" by a Nigerian woman, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. A more modern tale, about a 15 year old girl whose father is very wealthy but also extremely religious. It's set during a coup in Nigeria.

"Out of Africa" by Isak Dinesen (Karen Blixen). Famous because of the movie, of course. A series of stories about the Danish woman's life in colonial Kenya. We visited her home outside of Nairobi the other day, which was interesting. Enjoyed the book, and looking forward to seeing the film again.

"Acts of Faith" by Philip Caputo. Really liked this book - about mercenary aid workers who drop food, medicine, arms in the Nubian mountains in Sudan. Not very complementary of the UN.

"The Number 1 Ladies Detective Agency: Tears of the Giraffe" by Alexander McCall Smith. Set in Botswana, this series follows Mma Ramotswe's adventures and cases. Very cute, easy read, and gives insights into life in Botswana.

Also read three Detective Rebus books by Ian Rankin, and in the middle of Charity by Len Deighton.

So, yes, we've read quite a bit in Africa! Imagine that once we get to Asia and the job search begins, we won't be reading as much.

Cheers,
Anne.