Recs if you like Our Sister Killjoy...

“Take the map of Africa, place Europe and America together and there's still room left. Why be a sunflower and turn toward the sun? I myself am the sun!” - Ousmane Sembène

1-3 books (mostly fiction, some nonfiction) from or about each of the 54 countries in the African continent. Listed by country from Algeria to Zimbabwe. (Unfortunately, no books for Niger included). The first book listed is a book by a Kenyan writer that encompasses why this list exists.

An incomplete list of African Classics

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1. All books are from 2006 and before
2. Not ordered in any way
3. If the books are a trilogy/series, only the first book has been added

Suggestions welcomed 😊

This list is based on the book by Joan Anim-Addo, Deirdre Osborne, and Kadija Sesay (This is the Canon: Decolonize Your Bookshelves in 50 Books)

As the title suggests, the book aims to broaden readers’ horizons. The list contains works by non-white, mostly female authors.

Probably due to my own lack of knowledge To East, West and South Africa

A non exhaustive list consider this an appetizer and as I grow in my journey I’ll make more specific ones.

Last updated 12.10.25

Works recommended in Sara Ahmed’s The Feminist Killjoy Handbook (2023)

This list includes all works from the recommended reading list as well as feminist and anti-racist works cited in the text.