If you enjoy reading books by Imbolo Mbue then you might also like the following authors:
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is known for her vivid storytelling and exploration of identity, culture, and personal struggles. Her novel, “Americanah,” follows the journey of Ifemelu, a young Nigerian woman, as she moves to America for college.
The story touches on her experiences with race, adapting to a new country, and dealing with love and loss. It also examines her connection to Nigeria and her childhood love, Obinze, who faces his own challenges as an immigrant in the UK.
Yaa Gyasi is an author with a talent for weaving deep and emotional stories. Her book, “Homegoing,” follows the lineage of two half-sisters from 18th-century Ghana. One is married off to a British colonizer, while the other is sold into slavery and sent to America.
Each chapter shifts to a new generation, creating a family saga that spans continents and centuries. Through the lives of their descendants, the story explores how history and heritage shape identities in both Ghana and the United States.
Taiye Selasi is an author whose writing captures the heart of personal and family stories. Her novel “Ghana Must Go” follows the Sai family, who come together after the sudden death of their father.
The story moves between Ghana, Nigeria, and America, showing how the family’s past shapes their present. The book explores their struggles and the love that binds them, creating a rich portrait of a family spread across different cultures.
Chinelo Okparanta is a Nigerian-American author known for exploring themes of identity, love, and personal freedom. Her novel, “Under the Udala Trees,” tells the story of Ijeoma, a young girl growing up during Nigeria’s civil war.
After losing her father in the war, Ijeoma is sent away and meets another displaced girl, Amina. As their friendship deepens, it turns into a romantic bond, putting them at odds with the cultural and religious expectations of their community.
The book paints a vivid picture of both the struggles and beauty of life in Nigeria while following Ijeoma’s journey of self-discovery.
NoViolet Bulawayo is a Zimbabwean writer known for her vivid storytelling and unforgettable characters. Her novel, “We Need New Names,” follows a young girl named Darling as she navigates life in her Zimbabwean village and later moves to America.
The early parts of the book capture Darling’s childhood, where she and her friends roam their neighborhood, create games, and dream of better lives.
When she leaves her home behind for the U.S., she confronts the challenges of adapting to a new culture while grappling with what she’s left behind. The story is full of sharp, raw moments that stay with you.
Bryan Washington is a writer who brings everyday relationships and communities to life in ways that feel very real. His book “Memorial” tells the story of two men, Benson and Mike, who live in Houston and are in a strained relationship.
When Mike leaves to visit his dying father in Japan, his mother moves in with Benson, creating an unexpected and sometimes awkward bond. The story weaves family dynamics, love, and identity together, showing how people can connect, drift, and grow.
Taiye Selasi is an author known for telling stories that explore family, identity, and the complexities of cultural heritage. Her novel, “Ghana Must Go,” follows the Sai family as they grapple with loss, broken relationships, and the pull of their roots.
The story begins with the sudden death of Kweku Sai, a successful surgeon, whose absence forces his estranged family to come together. Through their journey, the book reveals personal struggles and deep emotions tied to migration and belonging.
It’s a heartfelt and beautifully told story.
Teju Cole writes stories that explore themes like identity, displacement, and the ways personal and historical experiences shape us.
His novel “Open City” follows Julius, a Nigerian immigrant in New York, as he wanders through the city reflecting on his life and the people he encounters.
The story moves through a patchwork of conversations and quiet observations, revealing layers of memory and history that feel deeply personal. As Julius walks through the streets or visits places like museums, the narrative blends his present with echoes of the past.
Fans of Imbolo Mbue might enjoy how Cole examines the inner lives of his characters with a quiet intensity that lingers.
Jhumpa Lahiri is an author known for exploring themes of identity, family, and belonging in her work. Her book “The Namesake” tells the story of Gogol Ganguli, a first-generation Bengali-American who struggles with the weight of his name and his cultural heritage.
Through Gogol’s relationships and choices, Lahiri paints a vivid picture of the challenges immigrants and their children face while trying to merge two worlds. The novel captures moments that feel deeply personal yet universal, making it easy to connect with the characters.
Chigozie Obioma is a Nigerian author known for his rich storytelling. His novel, “The Fishermen,” centers on four brothers growing up in a small Nigerian town.
When a local madman makes a disturbing prophecy about the eldest brother, tensions rise, and the family begins to unravel in unexpected ways. The story explores family bonds, choices, and how a single moment can change everything.
Obioma’s writing paints a vivid picture of life in Nigeria, full of culture and emotion. Readers who enjoy the heartfelt and thought-provoking storytelling of Imbolo Mbue might find themselves drawn to his work.
Arundhati Roy is an Indian author known for her rich storytelling and powerful depictions of social and political themes.
Her novel, “The God of Small Things,” is set in Kerala, India, and follows the lives of twins Rahel and Estha as they navigate their childhood, family dynamics, and a tragic event that shapes their future.
The book explores forbidden love, class divisions, and how family secrets can leave lasting scars. Roy’s way of weaving personal struggles with broader societal issues creates a vivid world that feels deeply human.
Nicole Dennis-Benn is a Jamaican author known for her emotionally powerful stories about identity, community, and personal struggle. Her novel, “Here Comes the Sun,” takes place in a small Jamaican village overshadowed by a luxury resort.
The story focuses on Margot, a woman working at the resort, who sacrifices her dreams to support her younger sister, Thandi, in hopes of giving her a better future. At its heart, it examines family bonds, secrets, and the impact of tourism on local life.
The characters feel incredibly real, and the way their lives intertwine is both heartbreaking and unforgettable.
Zadie Smith writes stories about people, relationships, and the different ways culture and class shape their lives. Her novel, “White Teeth,” is about two families in London whose lives become intertwined over multiple generations.
It touches on immigration, family secrets, and how history influences the present. There’s one character, Archie, who flips a coin to make big life decisions, which leads to some strange twists in his life.
Smith’s characters feel so real, and their struggles and triumphs keep you hooked.
Mbolo Moal is an author worth looking into if you enjoy Imbolo Mbue. One of their standout books, “The Colors of the Road,” follows a young woman who leaves her small village to work in a bustling city.
As she navigates her new reality, she finds herself caught between the promises of a better life and the weight of responsibility to her family back home. The story highlights the sacrifices people make while chasing change and the uneasy tension between tradition and ambition.
Moal has a way of making characters feel real, their choices layered with emotion and consequence.
Bernardine Evaristo is an author whose storytelling often explores identity, relationships, and societal structures.
One of her notable books, “Girl, Woman, Other,” follows the lives of twelve characters, mostly Black British women, whose stories are weaved together across different times and places.
Each chapter gives insight into their experiences, from struggles with family dynamics to moments of personal growth. The characters’ paths cross in ways that reveal shared histories and connections, creating a rich and layered narrative without feeling overly complex.