Today I set myself the challenge to write down the first 20 books I could either remember reading about Africa or other books that have had the most impact on me whilst growing up. This list by no means serves to summarize the best books about Africa as this is, of course, a highly subjective topic. I have also excluded some exceptional books which do not deal with Sub-Sahara Africa. My love for ‘Africana’ books is almost equal to my love of the bush and Africa herself – give me all three in one sitting and I am as happy as you will ever find me!
Please do share with us your favourite books on Africa – we would love to know which books had an impact on your life and love for Africa…
- Jock of the Bushveld – Sir Percy Fitzpatrick – 1907
- Herman Charles Bosman – particularly known for his short stories – from 1947
- Master Harold and the Boys – Athol Fugard – 1982
- Disgrace – J.M. Coetzee – 1999
- Long Walk to Freedom – Nelson Mandela – 1994
- Plains of Camdeboo – Eve Palmer – 1966
- Cry, The Beloved Country – Alan Paton – 1948
- When the Lion Feeds – Wilbur Smith – 1964
- White Mischief – James Fox – 1984
- The Flame Trees of Thika – Elspeth Huxley – 1959
- Zululand Wilderness: Shadow and Soul – Dr Ian Player – 1997
- Out of Africa – Karen Blixen – 1937
- King Solomon’s Mine – H. Rider Haggard – 1885
- The Story of an African Farm – Olive Schreiner – 1883
- Mukiwa – Peter Godwin – 1997
- The Elephant Whisperer – Lawrence Anthony – 2009
- The Power of One – Bryce Courtenay – 1989
- Dark Star Safari – Paul Theroux – 2002
- My Traitor’s Heart – Rian Malan – 1990
- Spud – John van de Ruit – 2005