Top 5 books everyone who wants to know about Nigeria should read

11:54 - 02 July 2015

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Here is a list of fiction and non-fiction books to read on Nigeria that captures this misunderstood country in all its rich variety.

It is very sad that despite our rich culture and history, some Nigerians prefer to buy and read the Stephen King's and John Grisham's. On the other hand, some are unsure of the books to read. Fret not my people, as i have compiled a list of fiction and non-fiction books to read on Nigeria that captures this misunderstood country in all its rich variety.

1. The Trouble With Nigeria by Chinua Achebe

This book is top on my list because it was written in the early 80's and some of the assertions made in this book still rings true in present day Nigeria. In this masterpiece, Achebe puts the blame for Nigeria's many post-independence failings firmly on the Nigerians themselves. "Nigeria is not a great country", he writes. "It is one of the most disorderly nations in the world. It is one of the most corrupt, insensitive, inefficient places under the sun … It is dirty, callous, noisy, ostentatious, dishonest and vulgar. In short it is one of the most unpleasant places on earth!" And yet Achebe still believes in Nigeria's potential, if only it could find leaders with integrity.

2. Open City by Teju Cole

Some of Nigeria's best writers are living abroad or at least with one foot abroad, so it's inevitable that more and more "writing about Nigeria" is from the diaspora and reflects its place in the wider world. Julius, the fictional narrator of Cole's beautiful novel, has flashbacks to his Nigerian childhood as he wanders around Manhattan. The memories float to the surface of his consciousness; they are part of his complex identity. A little secret i love Cole's first book "Everyday is for the thief" better though.

3. Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Its obvious, that i really love this book. Adichie's narration of war, its powerful impact on civilian life, and the trauma experienced after it is remarkable.

This book is a story of ordinary people swept up in extraordinary times; a privileged young woman, an ambitious university lecturer, an illiterate houseboy and a British writer, all of whom struggle to stay faithful to their ideals, loyalties and loves as their world falls apart around them. Add colonialism, tribalism, class, race and sexual desire, and you have an epic.

4. Looking for Transwonderland: Travels in Nigeria by Noo Saro-Wiwa

No i havent read this book yet, it is been on my TBR list for so long. However, This is the story of Noo who is Ken Saro-Wiwa's daughter; she grew up in England and after her father was killed she stayed away from Nigeria for many years. This is the poignant and witty story of her return.

Noo's family history gives her an unusual take on Nigeria; she's both intimate with the country and an outsider. Her "unglamorous, godforsaken motherland" will always be a place that angers and frustrates her but on her intrepid travels she also finds much to love.

5. Ake by Wole Soyinka

This list would never make sense if i had not included Ake by Wole soyinka. This book is a memoir of Soyinka's childhood years, it is full of charm but never sentimental. He grew up in Abeokuta, one of the first place to develop in the south west . In this book , the young Soyinka is witness to a society torn between traditional and modernising forces, and some of the first protests against colonial rule in the 40s.