10 Underrated African Books by Authors You Need to Discover

Africa has a rich tapestry of stories, cultures, and voices — many of which remain underrepresented in mainstream literature. While names like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Chinua Achebe have rightfully earned global acclaim, countless African authors are crafting brilliant, moving, and powerful works that often go unnoticed. If you're searching for underrated African books to add to your collection, you've come to the right place. 

Here are 10 hidden literary gems by African authors you’ve probably never heard of — but definitely should read. 

 1. "Freshwater" by Akwaeke Emezi (Nigeria). 

Though gaining traction in literary circles, Emezi’s debut novel is still under the radar for many. Freshwater explores identity, mental health, and spirituality through a unique Igbo cosmology lens. It’s raw, poetic, and unforgettable. 

 2. "The Havoc of Choice" by Wanjiru Koinange (Kenya). 

Set against the backdrop of Kenya’s 2007 post-election violence, this novel delves into political corruption, family loyalty, and the painful cost of silence. Koinange’s storytelling is emotionally resonant and politically insightful. 

 3. "The First Woman" by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi (Uganda). 

Makumbi crafts a powerful coming-of-age tale centered on Kirabo, a Ugandan girl caught between traditional gender roles and feminist rebellion. Deeply rooted in oral storytelling traditions, it’s a must-read. 

 4. "We Need New Names" by NoViolet Bulawayo (Zimbabwe). 

While Booker Prize-nominated, this debut novel hasn’t reached the wider audience it deserves. It follows Darling, a young girl navigating life in both Zimbabwe and the U.S., revealing stark contrasts and shared struggles. 

 5. "On Black Sisters' Street" by Chika Unigwe (Nigeria/Belgium). 

This haunting novel follows four African women trafficked into prostitution in Belgium. Through their interwoven stories, Unigwe explores trauma, resilience, and the pursuit of dignity. 

 6. "The Old Drift" by Namwali Serpell (Zambia). 

An ambitious epic blending historical fiction, sci-fi, and magical realism. Spanning generations and genres, The Old Drift is a literary kaleidoscope that reveals the layers of Zambian identity. 

 7. "Season of Crimson Blossoms" by Abubakar Adam Ibrahim (Nigeria)

Set in conservative northern Nigeria, this novel explores the taboo romance between a widowed woman and a young gang leader. Ibrahim masterfully handles themes of religion, politics, and forbidden desire.

 

 8. "Kintu" by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi (Uganda)

An epic family saga stretching across centuries, "Kintu" is a powerful meditation on ancestry, mythology, and national identity. Makumbi blends oral tradition with historical fiction in a voice all her own.

 9. "The House of Rust" by Khadija Abdalla Bajaber (Kenya). 

This magical realist adventure draws from Swahili folklore, following a girl who sets out on a fantastical journey to find her father. Bajaber’s voice is fresh, fierce, and utterly captivating. 

 10. "Born on a Tuesday" by Elnathan John (Nigeria). 

Told through the eyes of a boy growing up amid religious and political unrest in Northern Nigeria, this novel offers a deeply human perspective on extremism, identity, and coming of age. 

Why You Should Read These Underrated African Books 

These authors represent a cross-section of Africa's literary brilliance, each offering a unique perspective shaped by their environment, culture, and experience. By exploring underrated African books, readers not only diversify their shelves but also support voices that deserve global recognition. Many of these stories tackle themes of identity, migration, gender, political upheaval, and spirituality — all from lenses that defy Western literary norms. If you're tired of the same old narratives, these books will both challenge and expand your worldview.