Award Winning Novels By African American Authors

By Dennis Wagner


The contribution made by African American writers in the world of literature is undeniably huge. They have consistently produced excellent page turners that have gone on to win numerous global awards. Their darling themes range from economic empowerment to immigration, race and relationships, among others. Bearing in mind the words of Maya Angelou that it is torturous to live with an untold story, the following novels by African American authors have enabled them to tell their stories to the world in a unique way.

A Brief History of Seven Killings is work attributed to James Marlon. James captured the attention of the world with his vivid characters and meticulously woven tales. He explores the Jamaican society through the lives of its famous sons. The narratives point at an inability to divorce individuals from their society. Further, it is this society that determines and delivers their fate, that is impossible to escape.

The Color Purple is written by the recipient of Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award named Alice Walker. She tells the story from the perspective of women especially their contribution to American culture through Broadway shows. It is a narrative laced with courage that was later turned into a move which was a nominee for Academy Award.

Terry Macmillan had already established herself as an award winning story teller with mastery of characterization when she wrote Getting to Happy. It was a continuation of Waiting to Exhale which had already received international acclaim. She sticks with her main characters namely Savannah, Bernadine, Gloria and Robin. She portrays them as vivid, smart mouthed and sassy characters. In their daily endeavors they encounter situations that force them to chase personal happiness that must come from within.

Bloodchild and Other Stories is an anthology by the famed Octavia Butler. She is the same author behind Kindred. The author has received both Hugo and Nebula awards in the past making her a recognized story teller of the science fiction class. This is an opportunity to oscillate between the earth and distant stars.

The Fifth Season is an exciting narrative about a world that has gotten used to catastrophe. The opening scene features a sun whose view is blocked by ash from a rift on earth. You will also encounter the struggle of a man who has lost a daughter in the process and whose son has been killed. In the bigger plan, it is the powers that control the earth that are now being used as weapons. This story is a recipient of Hugo Award.

Nnedi Okorafor in Binti narrates the story of a recipient of a coveted scholarship to study at Oomza University. The institution is at another planet that demands a great deal of sacrifice. She has to fight to get there as well as bear with a people who have no regard for her culture. It is the passion to acquire knowledge that keeps her going and makes her bear the scars that come with the journey.

Numerous African American story tellers have graced the literary scene. Many more like Colson whitehead, Jesmyn Ward and Hannaham James continue to make their contributions. As the stories and themes widen, the world continues to enjoy the work of these distinguished story tellers.




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