Top 10 novels to read to understand Nigeria’s history

While ranking novels definitively is subjective, here are 10 highly acclaimed works that offer diverse perspectives on various periods and themes in Nigerian history:

Pre-colonial and Colonial Era

1. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe (1958): This iconic novel explores the tragic consequences of colonialism on traditional Igbo society through the story of Okonkwo, a valiant warrior struggling to uphold his values in a changing world.

2. An African Night’s Entertainment by Cyprian Ekwensi (1962)

The stories in the book are set in pre-colonial and colonial Nigeria, set across various regions and periods, exploring themes of traditional folklore, myths, legends, and oral storytelling, love, betrayal, revenge, justice, and the supernatural.

The collection offers a glimpse into pre-colonial Nigerian culture and beliefs, showcasing the richness and diversity of oral storytelling traditions. It also provides commentary on societal norms and values during the colonial period.

3. 3. The Palm-Wine Drinkard and His Dead Palm-Wine Tapster in the Dead’s Town by Amos Tutuola (1952): This Yoruba folktale-inspired novel blends myth and reality, offering a unique glimpse into pre-colonial Yoruba beliefs and traditions.

PalmWine Drinkard and His Dead PalmWine Tapster in the Dead’s Town novel by Amos Tutuola

4. 4. Second Class Citizen by Buchi Emecheta (1983): This semi-autobiographical novel tells the story of Adah, a strong-willed woman navigating the challenges of colonialism and racism in both Nigeria and London.

Second Class Citizen novel by Buchi Emecheta

Post-colonial Era

5. 5. Sozaboy by Ken Saro-Wiwa (1985): This satirical novel follows the experiences of Mene, a reluctant soldier forced to fight in the Nigerian Civil War, exposing the absurdity and brutality of the conflict.

Sozaboy novel by Ken SaroWiwa

6. 6. The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born by Ayi Kwei Armah (1983): This dystopian novel critiques the corruption and injustice prevalent in post-colonial Ghana, offering a cautionary tale with resonance for Nigeria’s own experiences.

Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born novel by Ayi Kwei Armah

7. 7. Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Dangarembga (1988): Though set in Zimbabwe, this coming-of-age story explores themes of colonialism, female education, and cultural identity relevant to the Nigerian context.

Nervous Conditions novel by Tsitsi Dangarembga

8. Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (2006): Set during the Nigerian Civil War, this poignant novel follows the lives of two Nigerian families from opposing sides of the conflict, highlighting the human cost of war and the complexities of identity.

Half of a Yellow Sun novel by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Contemporary Nigeria

9. 9. The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives by Lola Shoneyin (2000): This polyphonic novel explores the lives of four wives in a polygamous household, challenging societal norms and celebrating female agency.

10. Waiting for an Angel by Helon Habila (2002)

Set in post-independence Nigeria, specifically Lagos in the 1990s, during a period of political and economic instability. This story explores themes of political corruption, poverty, disillusionment with the government, the struggle for survival, and the search for hope amidst hardship.

This novel helps us understand the challenges faced by ordinary Nigerians during a turbulent period, as well as the resilience and resourcefulness displayed in the face of adversity.

-Igbo Boy: Profit and Prejudice (2023)

The book answers the Igbo question in Nigeria. It starts from the story of the Igbo apprentice in a clear engaging narrative, explaining how the apprentice starts out as a young lad under the master’s tutelage and then becomes a master himself after some mild or intense drama with his master. The book then moves to the issue of Igbos and their reception in the Nigerian society in which they are one of the 3 major ethnic groups.