Books set in Africa

Sometimes people ask me if I have read any good books that are set somewhere in Africa.  It's a bit trickier to find a book that takes place around here than it is to find one about (for example) Western Europe or the Old American West!  But I have read a few that I enjoyed and thought I should list them here, just in case any of you, faithful blog readers, are looking for recommendations.

Baking Cakes in Kigali - by Gaile Parkin, a fun fiction book about a Tanzanian woman baker who lives and works in Rwanda.  It has some good cultural insights about people from all different cultures and walks of life (the character lives in an international community) and is lighthearted and well-written.  You can't help but love this baker and wish you could order one of her cakes and have a conversation with her!

Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight - by Alexandra Fuller, a memoir about a white Zimbabwean/British girl growing up in Zimbabwe and Malawi.  Her family was "a bit mad", to use a nice British expression, and the stories about the things they do are entertaining, sad, funny, and a bit appalling.  She's an excellent writer and if you like memoirs, you will probably enjoy this one.

Twenty Chickens for a Saddle - by Robyn Scott, another memoir, this time about a New Zealand girl growing up in Botswana and Zambia.  Her family was quite alternative and so like the previously mentioned memoir, this one also has a few wild stories.  If you are trying to choose between the two, I preferred "Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight," but you might like this one better if you're looking for something slightly more tame (this family was kind of nuts, the other family was truly a bit on the edge).

The Poisonwood Bible - by Barbara Kingsolver, this is one of my favorite books of all time.  It has excellent characters, plot, and writing, and you can tell that it has been written based on good research and with a lot of humor.  Beware that the missionary family in it has some dysfunctional issues, so if you're looking for a happy Christian novel, this book set in the Congo isn't for you.  But if you want some great writing and a story that will stick with you long after you finish the last chapter, I highly recommend it.

No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency - by Alexander McCall Smith, this series about a woman detective in Botswana is light and funny, something you don't always find in books set in Southern Africa.  They are pleasant, quick, and happy reading.

A Passage to Africa - by George Aligiah, this book is basically a modern history of about ten countries around the continent.  The author has lived in all the places about which he writes, so along with the history you also learn a bit about him and his life.  He is a journalist and knows how to write history in a very easy-to-read way that feels like a story.  If you're looking for some interesting reading on some of the more major African countries, I think you'll like this one.