African Fantasy That Opens Up Different Kinds of Worlds

Lagos can be full of fallen gods, Mombasa can open onto a sea of monsters, and an invented empire can build its power by deciding which histories may be told. This selection follows African fantasy through those different worlds, including work by writers in the diaspora. Books available in English give it a particular shape, with Nigeria especially well represented. Start with David Mogo, Godhunter for a forceful urban voice, The House of Rust for a sea journey, or Raybearer for an expansive younger-reader adventure. The Palm-Wine Drinkard and The Famished Road offer very different pleasures of language. Several choices approach fantasy through literary fabulism; The Old Drift and Riot Baby reach into speculative futures. Who Fears Death and The Unbroken are particularly brutal, while many epic choices begin series. Following the different voices, places and forms is part of the pleasure.