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29 August 2017

Novels By African American Authors Everyone Should Read

By Dennis Wagner


The contribution made by African American writers in the world of literature is undeniably huge. They have consistently produced excellent page turners that have gone on to win numerous global awards. Their darling themes range from economic empowerment to immigration, race and relationships, among others. Bearing in mind the words of Maya Angelou that it is torturous to live with an untold story, the following novels by African American authors have enabled them to tell their stories to the world in a unique way.

A Brief History of Seven Killings is the work of Marlon James. James is an unrivaled story teller who has shown great eye for details and the ability to create believable characters. The novel digs into the instability in Jamaica and provides a chronicles of the lives of famous characters in the Jamaican society. According to the novel, it is impossible for anyone to escape fate as long as he is living in a certain community or setting.

The writer of The Color Purple is a recipient of National Book Award and Pulitzer Prize. Alice Walker chooses the theme of women and their social contribution to culture. She picks Broadway shows to highlight the contribution women make to the culture of this society. The movie that was developed from this novel went on to be nominated for Academy Award.

Getting to Happy is a carefully woven story by Terry Macmillan, the famed author of Waiting to Exhale. This is a more engaging and exuberant sequel that will captivate the mind of any reader. The story is a revision of the lives of Robin, Bernadine, Gloria and Savannah. In this setting, these characters are sassy, smart-mouthed and more vivid. They will encounter situations that force them to look deeper into own lives. They are only left with one goal, to chase happiness.

One of the most iconic Afro-American writers is Octavia Butler. She chooses to make her mark using Bloodchild and Other Stories. She is also the hand behind Kindred, an award winning title. As a queen of science fiction, she will take you to different universes in a highly skillful and artistic manner.

The Fifth Season is an imaginative narrative of a rift that causes the view of the sun to be blocked by ash from the earth. The setting captures a hero with a missing daughter after the son is murdered. It is about a festering wound of betrayal. The land where it is set has gotten accustomed to catastrophe leaving no room for mercy. The power holding the earth has been turned into a weapon. The book won international acclaim by receiving the Hugo Award.

Nnedi Okorafor in Binti narrates the story of a recipient of a coveted scholarship to study at Oomza University. The institution is at another planet that demands a great deal of sacrifice. She has to fight to get there as well as bear with a people who have no regard for her culture. It is the passion to acquire knowledge that keeps her going and makes her bear the scars that come with the journey.

There are many authors who have produced excellent titles worth reading. These writers include Colson Whitehead, James Hannaham and Jesmyn Ward, among others. New writers continue to emerge as the classic titles are turned into award winning movies to underline the value of their narratives.




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