October is Black History Month, a national celebration aiming to promote and celebrate Black contributions to British society, and to foster an understanding of Black history in general. To celebrate, we have compiled a list of our top 5 favourite books, written by BAME authors:
1. Half of a Yellow Sun - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Published in 2007, this elegantly written novel describes Biafra’s struggle for an independent republic in Nigeria and documents the violence that followed. The story is told through three characters, who we witness growing and developing throughout the novel. When the Nigerian troops advance, their beliefs and values are tested as their lives are put at risk. An intensely emotional read, Adichie explores the themes of moral responsibility, the end of colonialism and the class/race divide.
2. The Complete Persepolis - Marjane Satrapi
This graphic comic-book style autobiography is set in Iran in the mid-1970s and details the events of the Iranian Revolution and what growing up in a war-zone is like. Satrapi tells the story of her childhood - her friends, her family and how the revolution impacted her life. It is an interesting and humorous tale, interspersed with moments of deep tragedy. Marjane’s stark novel is an intriguing insight into what her life was like.
3. Milk and Honey - Rupi Kaur
Time to deviate a little, as this one is actually a compilation of poems and prose about survival. It has been hailed as a raw and emotional read and is highly recommended. Covering topics like abuse and femininity, it is split into four sections which take the reader on a journey to explore the idea that even in the most unpleasant moments in life, joy can still be found.
