Black Literature you must add to your TBR
Reading Black Literature gives us a unique perspective on racism and injustices faced by the community. It helps us understand systemic racism and how it is still prominent in society. We can develop a new found awareness that we can use to make positive changes in our life and the lives of those around us, influencing people to make better and conscious choices towards building an inclusive world. Here are three fantastic pieces of Black Literature you mustn’t miss!
Things Fall Apart- Chinua Achebe
Things Fall Apart is the story of a man named Okonkwo whose life is conflicted, dominated by fear, rules and regulations that eventually lead to his downfall. It gives us insight into the Igbo community, their rich culture and also ignorance in some areas that leads to superstitions. The novel talks about the British domination and the clash between the Christian faith and native beliefs. It is one of Achebe’s most widely read book in African Literature.
The Bluest Eye- Toni Morrison
The Bluest Eye is a bold novel, rich in language and emotions. Revolving around Pecola Breedlove who simply wants blue eyes so she can feel pretty like the actress she loves- Shirley Templeton. The story speaks volumes about the distorted standards of beauty that was a result of racism. The seriousness of issues like body shaming, sexual abuse and internalized racism are depicted with no sugar coating. In a society that associates beauty with whiteness, The Bluest Eye is a wonderful book to break the ice and begin conversations of change.
The Color Purple- Alice Walker
The Color Purple is a symbolic epistolary around women relationships and the various ways society sees them. Themes such as religion, family, oppression, culture, LGBT, sexual identity, violence and different shades of love add to the richness of the book. The protagonist Celie writes her letters in a simple broken dialect but the underlying meanings make the book brilliant. There is struggle, pain but there is also an abundance of hope and overcoming in the story. What is the significance of the color purple in this book? Read it to find out!
Black Literature is a diverse body of work
It talks about what it means to be African in a society that used to be and in many places still is dominated by racism. Many great people chose to stand up for their rights, using their voice, their art and talent to create a movement that has brought the change we see today!
What is your favourite Black Literature or movie?
If you have more to add to this list, write to us and get featured on BeStorified. Also, if you’d like to add these books to your TBR, we have a fun way to do so. Join our readers and add a twist to your reading with our TBR Challenge.
If you have thoughts on inclusivity and spreading awareness around the same, you can also join our community of change makers at CauseAChatter.
