Throwback to some beautiful books written between the 1970s and late 1980s

Take a moment out of your day to look back on this list of classic, memorable Nigerian literature books and a few bonus poetry from back in the day that influenced our parents and then went on to heavily influence our reading as adults.

As listed by Book Shy Books (a haven for forgotten African Literature books and authors), here is a look at the second generation writers - those whose first works came out between the 1970s and the late 1980s.

While the first generation writers were interested in challenging the images and stereotypes of Nigerians (and Africans) that were perpetuated during colonial rule, second generation writers wrote highly critical literature and seemed to be more concerned with contemporary Nigeria.

They also seemed to have been influenced by the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970). In fact, the civil war generally affected Nigeria's literary scene.

Christopher Okigbo, a first generation poet, for instance died fighting in the war, while many novels like Elechi Amadi's Sunset in Biafra (1973), Chukuemeka Ike’s Sunset at Dawn (1976), and Flora Nwapa’s Never Again (1976), were inspired by the war.

Other second-generation books include

No More Oil Boom  by Tunde Fatunde(1985)

Night of the Mystical Beast by Olu Obafemi (1986),

The Divorce by Wale Ogunyemi (1975),

The Chattering and the Song by Femi Osofisan(1977)

The Curse by Kole Omotoso(1976)

A Sanctus for Women by Bode Sowande(1979)

Masters of the Board by Chris Abani (1985)

A Letter to Linda by Funso Aiyejina(1988),

Children of Iroko by Tanure Ojaide(1973)

Innocent Victims by Abubakar Gimba (1988),

Violence by Festus Iyayi  (1979)

The Victims (1970) and Last Duty by Isidore Okpewho (1976)

Saro-Wiwa's Sozaboy by Saro-Wiwa (1986),

Climate of Corruption by labo Yari (1978)

Poetry collections like

Petals of Thoughts  by Femi Fatoba(1984),

Marketplace by Niyi Osundare (1983)

The Poet Lied  by  Odia Ofeimun (1988)

Women writers also became more pronounced during this period, with works from this period including

Trial of the Beautiful Ones by Osonye Tess Onwueme(1985),

Sew the Old Days by Omolara Ogundipe-Leslie (1985)

The Stillborn (1984) and The Virtuous Woman by Zaynab Alkali (1985)

Second-Class Citizen (1974), The Bride Price (1976), and The Slave Girl (1977) by Buchi Emecheta

Ebvu My Love, Forever Yours and Fresh Start  by Helen Obviagele who wrote the books for the popular Pacesetters series.

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