Abi Daré’s “The Girl with the Louding Voice” really struck a chord with many readers. The story of Adunni, a young Nigerian girl who fights for education, is unforgettable.
If you loved Adunni’s powerful journey and are looking for books with similar themes and strong female voices, then keep reading.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a Nigerian author known for stories that explore identity, family, and culture in a heartfelt way. Her novel “Purple Hibiscus” follows Kambili, a young girl growing up in a strict and wealthy household under her father’s oppressive rule.
When she and her brother spend time with their warm and spirited aunt, they begin to experience freedom and question everything they thought they understood about love and faith. It’s a story full of contrasts and emotions, with vivid descriptions of life in Nigeria.
Yaa Gyasi is the author of “Homegoing,” a novel that spans generations to tell the story of two sisters and their descendants. One sister is sold into slavery, while the other remains in Ghana.
The book follows their families across hundreds of years, showing how their lives are shaped by history and circumstance. Each chapter focuses on a new descendant, creating a powerful sense of connection and legacy.
If you liked the way Abi Daré captures personal resilience and cultural roots, Yaa Gyasi’s storytelling might resonate with you.
Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀ is a Nigerian author who writes stories with a deep focus on family, love, and cultural expectations. Her novel, “Stay With Me,” follows Yejide and Akin, a couple struggling with infertility in a society where having children is seen as essential.
Desperate for a solution, they face mounting pressure from their families, and their marriage is tested in painful and dramatic ways. The book weaves personal heartbreak with societal pressures, creating an emotional and unforgettable story.
Bernardine Evaristo is a brilliant storyteller who creates rich, detailed characters and vivid worlds. Her book “Girl, Woman, Other” focuses on the lives of twelve characters, mostly Black women in Britain.
Each chapter offers a glimpse into their struggles, dreams, and relationships as their stories weave together across generations.
You’ll meet Amma, a playwright fighting for her voice in a traditionally white, male-dominated theatre world, and her free-spirited daughter Yazz, who wrestles with her own ideals. The way their lives connect shows the beauty and complexity of human connections.
Chinelo Okparanta is a Nigerian-American author who writes stories that explore identity, love, and societal expectations. Her novel, “Under the Udala Trees,” follows Ijeoma, a young girl in Nigeria during the civil war, who discovers her feelings for another girl.
As she grows up, she navigates the weight of tradition and the conflict between her desires and the rules of her environment. The book shines a light on cultural pressures and personal struggles in a deeply human way.
If you enjoyed Abi Daré's storytelling, you might appreciate Okparanta’s heartfelt and thoughtful approach.
Imbolo Mbue is an author who writes stories that explore human struggles and resilience in powerful ways. Her book “Behold the Dreamers” tells the story of a Cameroonian couple, Jende and Neni, who have moved to New York City with dreams of building a better life.
Jende becomes a chauffeur for a wealthy Wall Street executive, while Neni takes work as a domestic helper in the same household. Their lives become deeply intertwined with their employers, and both families face challenges that expose the costs of chasing the American Dream.
The book raises questions about family, sacrifice, and the weight of hope.
Zadie Smith is an author who brings everyday lives and relationships to the forefront of her stories. Her novel “White Teeth” is set in London and spans decades, following two immigrant families as they navigate cultural identity and generational conflicts.
It explores how family histories and chance events shape people’s futures, while bringing out moments of humor and warmth.
Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o is a Kenyan writer known for his focus on themes of colonialism, freedom, and cultural identity. His novel “The River Between” follows the lives of two neighboring villages divided over their traditions and the arrival of European missionaries.
The story centers on Waiyaki, a young boy seen as a potential leader, who struggles to unite his people while facing personal challenges and cultural conflicts.
The book explores tensions between tradition and change, offering a powerful look at the clash of values in a colonized society.
NoViolet Bulawayo is a Zimbabwean author known for her vibrant storytelling and sharp observations of social issues. Her debut novel, “We Need New Names,” follows a young girl named Darling who grows up in a poor Zimbabwean neighborhood.
The story captures her life there, where she plays games with her friends and witnesses the harsh realities of her world. Later, she moves to America, where she experiences the struggles of fitting into a new culture while holding on to her roots.
The book paints a vivid picture of childhood, displacement, and identity.
Taiye Selasi is an author with a talent for creating vivid and emotional family stories. Her novel, “Ghana Must Go”, follows a family scattered across different countries as they reunite after the sudden death of their father, Kweku Sai.
The book explores the lives of each family member, showing their struggles with identity, heartbreak, and the bonds that tie them together.
The story spans Nigeria, Ghana, and the United States, weaving together the personal histories of the Sai family in a way that feels deeply personal and moving. If you’re drawn to stories rich with cultural depth and family dynamics, this is one to explore.
Tsitsi Dangarembga is a Zimbabwean author who writes stories that explore the struggles of women seeking autonomy in difficult circumstances.
Her novel “Nervous Conditions” follows a young girl named Tambu who dreams of getting an education and escaping the limitations of her rural upbringing. When her brother dies unexpectedly, she gets the opportunity to attend school and live with her wealthy uncle.
The story gives a vivid look at the pressures Tambu faces, from family expectations to the influence of colonialism. Readers who admired the resilience of Adunni in Abi Daré's work might connect with Tambu’s determination to shape her own future.
Bryan Washington is an author who writes about relationships, identity, and the sense of home in a way that feels raw and deeply human.
His book “Memorial” tells the story of Benson, a Black daycare teacher, and Mike, a Japanese-American chef, as their relationship hits a crossroads. Mike leaves for Japan to reconnect with his estranged father while his mother, Mitsuko, unexpectedly moves in with Benson.
The story unfolds through their separate journeys, showing the complexities of love, family, and what it means to truly understand someone. Washington’s writing captures a world that feels tender, flawed, and real.
Buchi Emecheta was a Nigerian-British author known for capturing the struggles and resilience of women in her writing. One of her most memorable books, “The Joys of Motherhood,” tells the story of Nnu Ego, a woman living in colonial Nigeria.
The book explores her dreams of fulfilling motherhood, only to reveal the sacrifices and heartbreak she endures for her children.
It paints a vivid picture of tradition and the clash with changing societal values, offering a deeply personal look at a woman’s journey in a rapidly transforming world.
Chigozie Obioma is a Nigerian author known for his rich storytelling and unique perspective on the world. His novel, “The Fishermen,” tells the story of four brothers in a Nigerian village whose lives are shaken when a prophecy from a local madman predicts tragedy.
The story explores the bonds of family, the power of belief, and the ways fear can spiral into chaos. It’s set against the backdrop of a changing Nigeria, offering a vivid sense of place and culture.
Fans of Abi Daré’s focus on family and resilience might find something to enjoy in Obioma’s work.
Sefi Atta is a Nigerian author who writes with a focus on personal and societal struggles in modern Africa. Her novel, “Everything Good Will Come,” tells the story of Enitan, a young Nigerian woman growing up during a time of political unrest.
The book follows her as she navigates complex relationships, cultural expectations, and her journey toward independence. Through Enitan’s experiences, the book captures themes of family, friendship, and resilience against a turbulent backdrop.