If there's one thing we love doing at LIHA, it's championing black voices whenever we can. We're so inspired by the beauty that transcends through black voices, and always feel that tingle inside ourselves when we're reading these magical, heartfelt stories. So, today, we wanted to share a few of them:
🤎 Abi's Current Favourites:
The Dark Lady by Akala - Isn't just for young adults; it's a riveting tale that immerses readers of all ages. Set in Victorian London, the story follows Henry, an orphan, outsider, and thief, who also happens to possess magical powers at the age of fifteen.
In this brilliant and sometimes brutal debut novel, Akala transports readers to a time when London's streets were tangled and foul-smelling, and survival meant finding your own path. As Henry navigates this gritty landscape haunted by the enigmatic Dark Lady, you'll find yourself glued to your seat, swept away by Akala's vivid imagination and skillful storytelling.
The Children of Blood and Bone - Is the first book of a trilogy that intricately intertwines Yoruba cosmology, culture, and language into its fantasy. Set in the fictional realm of Orïsha, a reimagined Nigeria, the story delves deep into themes of magic, oppression, and the quest for justice. The author, Tomi Adeyemi, drew inspiration from beloved fantasy classics like Harry Potter and Black Panther. The narrative is a spellbinding journey that immerses readers in a world brimming with rich mythology and palpable tension. From the very first page, I found myself engrossed.
Edge of Here - In her debut collection, "Edge of Here," Kelechi Okafor unveils a world where technology blurs the lines between reality and imagination. From exploring alternate love lives to experiencing emotions through brain implants and glimpsing distant relatives' lives via DNA, Okafor crafts thought-provoking tales of contemporary Black womanhood. With a blend of ancient wisdom and futuristic innovation, these stories challenge perceptions and offer a glimpse into the near future, where truth and spirituality intersect in unexpected ways. Join Okafor on a journey to the Edge of Here, where possibilities ignite and boundaries blur.
🌻 Liha's Picks
Another Country by James Baldwin - In 1962, James Baldwin's "Another Country" sparked a literary sensation with its gripping portrayal of desire, hatred, and violence. The story begins with Rufus Scott, a troubled Harlem jazz musician navigating a Bohemian underworld in New York City. Through vivid prose, Baldwin explores themes of self-destruction, love, and betrayal amidst a backdrop of heat, music, and raw emotion, captivating readers with its raw intensity and unforgettable characters.
White Girls - In "White Girls," Hilton Als explores the complexities of identity, love, loss, and culture through a series of dazzling essays. From blackness and queerness to movies, Brooklyn, and fashion, Als navigates diverse topics with freewheeling insight and tenderness. His writing is acclaimed for its intellectual depth and generous spirit, making it a revelatory read that resonates long after the last page.
Ake: The Years of Childhood - Wole Soyinka's first volume of autobiographical works offers a vivid and exuberant account of his childhood in colonial Nigeria. Through rich and evocative prose, Soyinka recounts his schooldays, adventures, and the colorful rituals of his family, capturing the fears, dangers, and surprises of childhood with sensitivity and nostalgia.
So, there you have it. Our selection of favourites by black voices.