Can you recommend some best Congo novels for a beginner to understand Congolese culture?

I would also suggest 'Geisha, A Life'. It's more like a personal account in a way. It has a lot of details about the geisha lifestyle, from the food they eat to the way they decorate their rooms. Reading it can give a beginner a more in - depth look at the geisha culture.

For a beginner, 'On the Road' by Jack Kerouac is a great start. It's a classic that shows the restlessness and the love for travel and new experiences that were part of the hippy culture. It's written in a very engaging style. Another good one is 'The Electric Kool - Aid Acid Test' as it gives a very direct look at the drug - influenced and experimental side of the hippy movement. It's full of interesting characters and wild events.

Sure. 'The Broken Spears' is a great start. It's written in a way that's accessible and provides a good overview of the Aztec - Spanish encounter which was a crucial part of Aztec history. It helps you understand how the Aztec society functioned before and during this major event.

I would also recommend 'The History of the Armenians' by Movses Khorenatsi. This work is like a window into the past. You can learn about how Armenians were organized, their social hierarchies, and their relationship with other cultures. It helps in understanding the broader context of Armenian culture during the medieval period.

Solomon Mutswairo's works are also suitable. His novels are filled with elements of Shona culture. They often tell stories that have been passed down through generations in the Shona community, like tales of heroes and the importance of certain cultural practices. Reading his works can introduce you to the traditional values of the Shona people.

I'd recommend 'Consider Phlebas'. It's relatively easy to follow compared to some of his other works. It gives a good overview of the Culture, with its diverse species and advanced technology. The plot is action - packed, which helps to draw you into the story and the world he has created.

I would recommend 'Red Star Over China'. It's an accessible account of the Chinese communist movement, written from an outsider's perspective. It gives a good overview of how communism was developing in China at that time. Another good one is 'Mother'. It's a story about a mother's journey into the revolutionary cause, which can be very inspiring for someone new to the concept of communism. And don't forget 'The Grapes of Wrath', which shows how the working class can be oppressed and the need for a more equal system like communism.

Sure. 'A Tree Grows in Brooklyn' is a great choice. It's a simple yet powerful story of a girl's upbringing in Brooklyn, showing the different neighborhoods, the people, and the values of the area. Another good one is 'The Catcher in the Rye'. It gives a sense of the youth culture and the feeling of being lost in the big city. 'Bonfire of the Vanities' is also suitable as it shows the complex social structure and the various classes in NYC.

I'd recommend 'The Things They Carried'. It's very accessible and really gets into the minds of the soldiers. You can feel their fear, their hopes, and their bonds with each other. It's a great starting point to understand what the soldiers went through during the Vietnam War.

Another novel that could potentially touch on Congo is 'The Poisonwood Bible' by Barbara Kingsolver. While it's mainly set in the Congo, it also delves into themes of family, religion, and cultural clashes. It gives a view of the Congo from an outsider's perspective, but also shows how the country and its people can have a profound impact on those who visit or live there.