Our Summer in Africa series is back as we aim to highlight some of the most interesting and energizing experiences that make a great summer vacation in Africa. So as many of our customers are getting ready to rode the trolley and roam anyone, two, or more of the 54 countries in the continent, we will be exploring and uncovering some hidden gems and energizing experiences to embark on this summer. Africa offers a wealth of unforgettable summer experiences, each unique to its diverse landscapes and cultures.

We create our summer reading series each year focusing on Africa and African writers — a fantastic way to explore the continent’s rich literary traditions, history, and culture. As you embark on your journeys we thought to remind you a few of the stories written by African authors. Perhaps they can give us a fresh new perspective and add exciting and interesting new characters to our travels. Here are some recommended books across various genres to dive into:

Non-Fiction

1. “Born in Blackness” by Howard W. French
We are kicking off our summer reading with this searing book by Howard W. French. “Born in Blackness” challenges traditional narratives of world history by centering Africa and Africans as crucial players in the making of the modern world. French, a seasoned journalist and author, meticulously examines the impact of Africa from the early days of European exploration and the transatlantic slave trade to the economic and political ramifications leading up to the Second World War.

The book delves into:

1. Pre-Colonial Africa: Highlighting Africa’s sophisticated civilizations and extensive trade networks.

2. European Exploration: Discuss how the quest for African gold and resources fueled European exploration and expansion.

3. The Atlantic Slave Trade: Analyzing the profound and devastating effects of the slave trade on African societies and the global economy.

4. Colonialism and Its Aftermath: Examining the lasting legacies of European colonialism in Africa and its role in shaping modern geopolitics.

Key Themes:
Revised Historical Perspective: French argues that Africa’s contributions to global history have been undervalued and misrepresented, offering a more balanced and inclusive historical account.

Economic Impact: The book explores how African labor and resources were foundational to the rise of Western economies.

Cultural Interactions: It highlights the cultural exchanges and influences between Africa and the rest of the world.

Why It’s a Must-Read:
Enlightening: Provides a fresh perspective on Africa’s role in global history, which is often overlooked in traditional historical narratives.
Comprehensive Research: French combines rigorous research with engaging storytelling, making complex historical themes accessible and compelling.

Timely and Relevant: Offers insights into current global issues by tracing their roots back to historical interactions involving Africa.

Educational: Ideal for readers interested in history, African studies, and global economic systems.

Adding to the Reading Series:
Including “Born in Blackness” in a summer reading series on Africa enriches the list by offering a deep, well-researched perspective on how Africa has shaped and been shaped by global events. It complements other recommended books by providing historical context and connecting past events to contemporary issues, thereby giving readers a comprehensive understanding of Africa’s significance in world history.

2. “The State of Africa” by Martin Meredith
A comprehensive history of post-colonial Africa, detailing the continent’s political and economic transformations.

3. “Africa: Altered States, Ordinary Miracles” by Richard Dowden
An insightful exploration of modern Africa, combining historical context with contemporary issues.

4. “Long Walk to Freedom” by Nelson Mandela
“Long Walk to Freedom” is the autobiography of Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first black president. The book chronicles his early life, his 27 years in prison, and his pivotal role in the struggle against apartheid, culminating in his election as South Africa’s first black president in 1994.

Key Themes:
1. Struggle and Sacrifice: Mandela’s account of his relentless fight against racial oppression and his sacrifices for the cause of freedom.

2. Resilience and Perseverance: The narrative of Mandela’s endurance through years of imprisonment and his unyielding commitment to justice.

3. Leadership and Legacy: Insights into Mandela’s leadership style and his vision for a democratic and free South Africa.

4. Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Emphasizes Mandela’s philosophy of reconciliation and forgiveness, which played a crucial role in South Africa’s transition from apartheid to democracy.

Summary:
The autobiography is divided into several parts, each detailing different phases of Mandela’s life:

1. Early Life: Born in 1918 in the village of Mvezo, Mandela recounts his childhood in rural Transkei, his education, and his growing awareness of the injustices faced by black South Africans.

2. Political Awakening: Mandela’s involvement in the African National Congress (ANC) and his rise as a prominent leader in the anti-apartheid movement.

3. Imprisonment: His arrest, trial, and the harsh conditions of his imprisonment on Robben Island. This section includes Mandela’s reflections on the impact of imprisonment on him and his fellow activists.

4. Release and Negotiations: Mandela’s release in 1990, his role in the negotiations to end apartheid, and the challenges of transitioning to a democratic society.

5. Presidency: The final chapters cover his election as South Africa’s first black president and his vision for the nation’s future.

Impact and Reception:
“Long Walk to Freedom” has been widely acclaimed for its candid and inspiring portrayal of Mandela’s life and struggle. It offers valuable insights into the complexities of apartheid and the resilience required to overcome such an oppressive system. The autobiography serves as a testament to Mandela’s extraordinary character and his profound impact on both South Africa and the world.

Legacy:
The book has not only provided an in-depth look at Mandela’s journey but also serves as an important historical document. It has been adapted into a film and continues to inspire readers globally, emphasizing the power of resilience, leadership, and forgiveness in the face of immense adversity. For those interested in exploring Mandela’s life and legacy further, “Long Walk to Freedom” remains an essential read, offering both personal reflections and a broader perspective on the struggle for justice and equality in South Africa.

5. “The Fate of Africa: A History of the Continent Since Independence” by Martin Meredith
An in-depth look at Africa’s post-independence history, covering a range of countries and their unique challenges and successes.

Fiction

1. “Things Fall Apart” by Chinua Achebe

A seminal work in African literature, exploring the impact of colonialism in Nigeria through the story of Okonkwo, a village leader.

2. “Half of a Yellow Sun” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

 A powerful novel set during the Nigerian Civil War, depicting personal and political struggles through the lives of several characters.

3. “Americanah” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

 A story of love, race, and identity, following a young Nigerian woman who moves to the United States for university.

4. “The Shadow King” by Maaza Mengiste

 Set during Mussolini’s invasion of Ethiopia, this novel highlights the often-overlooked role of women in warfare.

5. “Stay with Me” by Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀

 A poignant tale of marriage, motherhood, and societal expectations in Nigeria.

Contemporary Voices

1. “Homegoing” by Yaa Gyasi

 A novel spanning three hundred years, following the divergent paths of two half-sisters and their descendants from Ghana to the United States.

2. “An Orchestra of Minorities” by Chigozie Obioma

 A tragic love story that draws on Igbo cosmology and Nigerian culture, narrated by a spirit guide.

3. “Freshwater” by Akwaeke Emezi

 A genre-defying novel about identity and mental health, blending Igbo spiritual beliefs with contemporary themes.

4. “The Old Drift” by Namwali Serpell

A sweeping epic that interweaves the lives of three Zambian families over the course of a century.

5. “Behold the Dreamers” by Imbolo Mbue

 A novel about the immigrant experience in America, following a Cameroonian couple striving for a better life in New York City.

Historical and Cultural Insights

1. “The Scramble for Africa” by Thomas Pakenham

 A detailed account of the late 19th-century colonization of Africa by European powers.

2. “African Religions: A Very Short Introduction” by Jacob K. Olupona

An accessible overview of the diverse religious traditions across Africa.

3. “King Leopold’s Ghost” by Adam Hochschild

The harrowing history of Belgium’s exploitation of the Congo and the resulting human rights atrocities.

4. “The Hairdresser of Harare” by Tendai Huchu

 A novel that offers insight into contemporary Zimbabwean society through the story of a hairdresser in Harare.

5. “The Desert and the Sown: The Syrian Adventures of the Female Lawrence of Arabia” by Gertrude Bell

While not focused solely on Africa, Bell’s travels provide historical context and insight into the broader region’s cultural and political landscape.

These books will offer a diverse and enriching exploration of Africa’s literary scene, history, and contemporary issues.