The Anchor Book of Modern African Stories

by Nadežda Obradović (Editor)

The Anchor Book of Modern African Stories showcases the most innovative writing to arise from the continent. From internationally recognized authors such as Nigeria’s Ben Okri, to newcomer Leila Aboulela from Sudan, together the contributors offer compelling testimonies of life in the midst of historic upheaval. Rich, dense, and topical, this collection is an indispensable guide to the emerging canon of contemporary African fiction.

Tayeb Salih, Henri Lopès, Luis Bernardo Honwana, Njabulo S. Ndebele, Olympe Bhely-Quenum, Sindiwe Magona, Charles Mungoshi, William (Bloke) Modisane, William Saidi, Abdulrazak Gurnah, Tololwa Marti Mollel, Nnadzie F. Inyama, Sembne Ousmane, Mohammed Berrada, Ali Deb, Mohamed Moulessehoul, I.N.C. Aniebo, Dambudzo Marechera, Ken Lipenga, Ibrahim Abdel Megid, Ndeley Mokoso, Ken Saro-Wiwa, Alifa Rifaat, Leila Aboulela, Milly Jafta, Ben Okri, Funso Aiyejina, Farida Karodia, Salwa Bakr, Gaele Sobott-Mogwe, Makuchi, Hama Tuma, Ossie O. Enekwe, Adewale Maja-Pearce.

Genres: Fiction, African Literature, Africa

400 pages, Paperback

First published December 3, 2002

Reviews

[Cho Timbol · Rating 5 out of 5]

GEM OF AN ANTHOLOGY FOR THOSE WHO WORSHIP GOVERNMENT...AND FOR THOSE WHO CRITICIZE IT, TOO

The Anchor Book of Modern African Stories is a short story anthology from thirty-four African authors. A common thread running through this fantastic tapestry of imagined worlds: the Philippines' joys and woes are also Africa's joys and woes. Africans and Filipinos even seem to have the same kind of dark, boisterous humor.

***

Each story in this book starts with a biographical sketch of the author. It's notable how many of the authors were "imprisoned/exiled for his/her political activities." It's a clear rebuke to those of us who would explain away abuses of power as mere attempts to "keep the peace."

I tried to list five of my favorites, but I soon found the task impossible. This is an excellent anthology, with only two or three forgettable stories.

Even the foreword by Chinua Achebe, which described the evolution of African literature from its oral roots to the novel, was colorful and masterful.

But if you have no intention of reading the book, then I beg you to at least read "Thirty-one Beautiful Green Trees" by Salwa Bakr. Without spoiling too much, it tells of a series of unfortunate events befalling a young woman after she realized that there's no real reason she should be wearing a bra. It manages to be morose, but humorous; it manages to touch on a wide array issues--environmental destruction, the insistence on conformity, family dynamics, and more.

This is a gem of an anthology, the best I've read in a long time. It's a must read for anyone interested in the human condition.

[Jesmyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

there are some moving, lovely stories here, and unfortunately, there are a few duds. this is the first african literature i've read in years, though, so it was good to re-encounter voices from the continent again. definitely a worthwhile read.

[Hazim Dirdiri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of stories are beautiful and nicely put, others you struggle to pass through

Very nice for a sweet quick read before bed!

[NG]

Great collection, some writers better than others, nice assortment/sampler that gives a view of the continent's literary offerings, including one Nobel Prize winner of 2021.

[Daniel Simmons · Rating 2 out of 5]

An uneven and mostly disappointing collection, with fairly dire things to say about the African condition (the usual litany: war, AIDS, colonialism, racism, etc.), but there are a few standouts, notably Leila Aboulela's "The Museum", Abdulrazak Gurnah's "Bossy", and Adewale Maja-Pearce's "Civil War I-VII".

[Camellia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good stories about Africa.

[missy jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible stuff in here, political and poetic.