Which Ake Festival book would you be reading this week?

The African literary scene is gearing up for the Ake Art and Book Festival taking place in Abeokuta, Nigeria from Tuesday, November 15 to Saturday, November 19 2016. For book lovers who will not be able to make the trip down to Abeokuta, a synopsis of 10 select novels from the festival have been compiled just for you.

Their authors will reveal the layers underneath each of these works during book chats at the Ake Festival. We will be bringing you the juicy details and favorite moments from the chats and the festival in its entirety. In the meantime, enjoy a taste of the festival through these pages.

Sweet Medicine by Panashe Chigumadzi: This novel set in Zimbabwe tells the story of a young woman, Tsitsi who struggles against the tide of a patriarchal society. The back drop of the main event is the 2008 economic crisis in Zimbabwe. Tsitsi is forced to make a choice that exchanges her religious upbringing for economic security.

And After Many Days by Jowhor Ile: This story follows the disappearance of a teenage son from home.The search reveals the social and political terse atmosphere of Port-Harcourt, Nigeria in 1995. Through a series of flashbacks, a family’s story is told and leveraged with community relations. The plot is a roller-coaster with its ups and downs similar to the emotions of searching for a missing relative.

The Moor’s Account by Laila Lalami: In this work of historical fiction, readers discover a story of redemption and survival told from the point of view of a Moroccan and the first black explorer of America. The famed 1527 expedition of the conquistador, Pánfilo de Narváez and its occupants is given a voice in this memoir that shows the significant role black men played in New World exploration.

Never Look an American in the Eye by Okey Ndibe: This is an entertaining memoir that tells the encounters the author had when he first moved to the United States of America. His experiences with socialetiquette, racial profiling, and stereotypes are recounted with hilarious punch lines that keep the reader entertained and informed simultaneously.

Carnivorous City by Toni Kan: This novel has been billed to offer one of the best narratives told about the bustling city of Lagos. The story follows a recognizable cast of Lagos big boys, criminals, policemen, and family as an older brother struggles to piece together the puzzle left by his brother’s disappearance.

The Chibok Girls by Helon Habila: The author is known for creating riveting narratives born from societal issues and this novel is no exception. The climate surrounding the kidnapping of the Chibok school girls is delved into along with the rise of the Boko Haram group. The book contains the viewpoints of the girls’ parents, community members, and clergy officials.

Like A Mule Bringing Ice Cream to the Sun by Sarah Ladipo Manyika: Many readers become excited when they discover that the protagonist of this novella is a 75-year old woman who loves life. She is Nigerian, lives in San Francisco, and enjoying relatively good health. A fall provides the springboard for the themes of memory, exile, loss, and loneliness. This is a well-told story that will leave you asking for more words.

Easy Motion Tourist by Leye Adenle: With a female lead protagonist, this novel takes readers on a fast paced journey through the city of Lagos. Described as a thriller without frills, a dark side of Lagos is navigated by Amaka who stops at nothing in her pursuit of justice. Be prepared for twists and turns and an excellently crafted novel in one sitting.

Known and Strange Things by Teju Cole: The author is known for sharing his thoughts on anything and everything from social media to social commentary. His first collection of essays is no exception as he categorizes his ideas under visual arts, travel, and literature. Readers are welcome to select and read their favorites from each section of this rich 400-page collection.

Birth of a Dream Weaver by Ngugi wa Thiong’o: If you have ever been fascinated by the journey of pre-independence African writers, you want to read this memoir. Ngugi reveals his beginnings as a young student in Uganda’s Makerere University who found a voice in writing plays and novels.