'The God of Small Things' by Arundhati Roy, although the author is Indian - American, the story is set in Kerala, India which has some cultural similarities to parts of Africa in terms of family - centric values. It is a best - seller that has been lauded for its lyrical prose and its exploration of themes such as caste, love, and the consequences of small actions in a rigid society.
One of the well - known best - selling South African novels is 'Disgrace' by J. M. Coetzee. It delves deep into post - apartheid South Africa, exploring themes of race, guilt, and redemption. Another is 'Tsotsi' by Athol Fugard. It tells the story of a young gangster in the slums of Johannesburg and his journey towards redemption. 'The Power of One' by Bryce Courtenay is also popular. It follows the life of a young boy growing up in South Africa during a difficult time, highlighting the power of an individual to make a difference.
One of the best - selling African American novels is 'The Color Purple' by Alice Walker. It tells a powerful story of an African - American woman's struggle through letters. Another is 'Beloved' by Toni Morrison. It's a haunting tale of slavery and its aftermath. 'Roots: The Saga of an American Family' by Alex Haley is also very popular. It traces a family's history from Africa to America during the era of slavery.
One of the best - selling African American romance novels is 'The Wedding' by Dorothy West. It beautifully captures the essence of love and relationships within the African American community during a particular era.
Another popular one is 'Half of a Yellow Sun' by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. This novel delves into the Nigerian - Biafran War, with well - developed characters and a vivid portrayal of the era. It has attracted a large international readership, contributing to its high sales. Moreover, the writing style is engaging and thought - provoking, which makes it stand out among African novels.
A great African novel is 'The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born' by Ayi Kwei Armah. It's set in post - colonial Ghana and reflects on the corruption and disillusionment that followed independence. The novel gives a deep look into the society's problems at that time. 'So Long a Letter' by Mariama Bâ is another notable one. It's a story of a Senegalese woman's life through a letter, dealing with themes such as polygamy, female identity, and friendship.
Some African best novels include 'So Long a Letter' by Mariama Bâ. It's a beautifully written epistolary novel that deals with themes like female friendship, polygamy, and post - colonial identity in Senegal. 'The Joys of Motherhood' by Buchi Emecheta is another. It tells the story of a Nigerian woman's life, her hopes, and her disappointments in marriage and motherhood. And 'Waiting for the Barbarians' by J. M. Coetzee, although the author is South African - born, the novel has a strong connection to the African context, exploring power dynamics and moral ambiguity.
One of the best selling novels is 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee. It's a classic that deals with themes of racism and moral growth in the American South. Another is 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien, which has a huge and detailed fantasy world. And 'Harry Potter' series by J.K. Rowling is also a bestseller, following the magical adventures of a young wizard and his friends.
Another might be 'Absalom, Absalom!' by William Faulkner. It's a complex and richly - textured novel that delved deep into the history and psyche of the American South. Faulkner's unique narrative style made it a notable work of that time. It explored themes of family, race, and the past's influence on the present in a very engaging way.
'Becoming' by Michelle Obama was also a best - seller in 2019. In this memoir, Michelle Obama shares her story from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her time in the White House. She talks about her family, her work in education and health, and her experiences as the first African - American First Lady. It offers an inspiring and intimate look into her life.
One great African fantasy novel is 'Who Fears Death' by Nnedi Okorafor. It's a powerful story set in a post - apocalyptic Africa with elements of magic and a strong female protagonist fighting against oppression.