In celebrating three years of book blogging, I decided to take stock of my favourite books over the years, and possibly share a glimpse of what is to come. Here, I share my top 2 favourite novels from each year, beginning in 2020. They span all fiction genres, including romance, African literature, and contemporary fiction. These books curated here, nourished my mind during the pandemic, taught me invaluable lessons, and reignited my passion for reading. Dip into my picks, and hopefully you find something that tickles your reading buds.
July 2020- June 2021
“Americanah” by Chimamanda Ngozie Adichie
Americanah tells the story of star-crossed lovers, Ifemelu and Obinze who have to leave the country after a series of university strikes. Ifemelu moves to the United States, where for the first time, she is conscious of her race, and later starts an anonymous blog about racial issues in America. Obinze, on the other hand, moves to England where he is an illegal immigrant and faces a slew of problems as a result. Beyond the surface level romance between these 2 characters, “Americanah” offers a closeup on African migrants to the West. It is culturally sensitive, and weaves seamlessly between Nigerian, American, and British cultures. I love fiction with a message, and “Americanah” has cemented itself as timeless, and relevant to our ever evolving society.
“The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives” by Lola Shoneyin
A perceptive novel portraying polygamy in modern Nigeria, “The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s wives” explores the Alao household- four wives, seven children, and one man. There is hypocrisy, scheming, plotting, and a battle of agendas among these co-wives. This story is told in a rotating point of view; thus, we get to meet each woman, their personalities, and individual histories. The author takes a much explored topic of women in African marriages and offers a fresh perspective. This story offers a nuanced take on sexism in African households, while holding space for drama and laughter.
‘When the time comes for you to marry, take one wife and one wife alone and when she causes you pain, as all women do, remember it is better your pain comes from one source alone. Listen to the words she doesn’t speak so that you will be prepared.’
Lola Shoneyin from “The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives”
July 2021- June 2022
“The Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller
An cult fave and for good reason. “The Song of Achilles” tells the myth of the Greek legend, Achilles. It is a story of growth, and the story of a warrior who is out to prove his strength in a world driven by war. However, the author does something most retellings fail to do- focus on the love story between Patroclus, and Achilles. They were passionately in love, but it was ill-fated and led to their individual destructions. The writing is tender, borderline poetic, and just tugs at your heart strings. This was such a memorable read and I recommend it everytime!
‘We were like gods, at the dawning of the world, and our joy was so bright we could see nothing else but each other.’
Madeline Miller from “The Song of Achilles”
“Butter Honey Pig Bread” by Francesca Ekwuyasi
A feast of a book! In sensous prose, the author introduces us to Kambirinachi and her twin daughters, Kehinde and Taiye. These women are split by a devastating family traum, and after decades apart, they return to Lagos to heal old wounds. These characters are forces of the own- irreverant, passionate full of life. The standout of this novel is the prose. It is lush and fills up your senses. It is a standout debut I always talk about. Nothing is out of place and you get immersed in the narration.
‘Life is an ambivalent lover. One moment, you are everything and life wants to consume you entirely. The next moment, you are an insignificant speck of nothing. Meaningless’
Francesca Ekwuyasi by “Butter Honey Pig Bread”
Review: Butter Honey Pig Bread
Honorable mentions:
- Circe by Madeline Miller
- The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkin Reid
- The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
- Seven Days in June by Tia Williams
- Stay With Me by Ayobami Adebayo
July 2022- June 2023
“These Impossible Things” by Salma El-Wardany
Malak, Kees, and Jenna have been best frends since childhood, helping each other navigate familial expectations, romantic obligations and adulting. One night changes it all; their friendship is severed and these women drift off in different directions. However, there is a chance for reconciliation, and their friendship is testament that a bond stretched is never broken.
Someone somewhere is picking this book for the first time, and I envy them immensely. I devoured this story in a day, and it stll stands as a favourite. These 3 women touched my heart so deeply and it takes you on a masterful journey.
‘You can’t stuff so much sadness into a body and think it can be contained. Like water running to the sea, it will always find its level.’
Salma EL-Wardany from “These Impossible Things”
“The Dragon Republic” by R.F. Kuang
This is Book 2 in “The Poppy War” series, and what a standout! Book 1 stunned me but Book 2 blew me completely out of the water. It takes off from where Book 1 ended- Rin is on the run, addicted to opium and haunted by the atrocites of the war. Rin is set on revenge, and she has to call on strength and old friends to succeed. There is betrayal and vicious, unrelenting violence. The beauty of “The Dragon Republic” is that this novel is a reflection of China’s dark history to become the nation we see today. It is a feat of a novel that shows how augmented our reality is when fear takes over our minds. The ending is so good, it leaves you right on the edge and electric for Book 3. I love this series so much, but Book 2 holds a special place in my heart.
Honorable mentions
- Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
- “Kim Jiyoung, born 1982” by Choo Nam-Joo
- “Someday, Maybe” by Onyi Nwabineli
I have easily read over 200 books in the past 3 years, so narrowing it down to 6 novels has been very difficult. However, these are stories I hold close to my heart and I hope you find joy in them too.