The Greatest Nigerian, English "Fiction, Speculative Fiction" Books Since 1970

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Fiction

Speculative Fiction

Speculative fiction is an umbrella genre encompassing narrative fiction with supernatural or futuristic elements. This includes genres such as science fiction, fantasy, horror, supernatural fiction, superhero fiction, utopian and dystopian fiction, apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction, and alternate history. The unifying factor of speculative fiction is its departure from the narrative constraints of reality, exploring imaginative and often profound questions that challenge our understanding of the world and our place within it. These stories often delve into themes like the human condition, social commentary, and the exploration of philosophical and ethical dilemmas through the lens of the fantastical or the yet-to-be-possible. By pushing the boundaries of the known, speculative fiction invites readers to consider the myriad possibilities of existence and the potential consequences of our actions in worlds that are, at once, vastly different from and eerily similar to our own.

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  1. 1. The Famished Road by Ben Okri

    The novel centers around the life of an abiku, a spirit child, who resides in the bustling city of Lagos. Despite numerous attempts to return to the spiritual world, the boy is tethered to the physical realm through the love of his mother. As he navigates through the political unrest and poverty of post-colonial Nigeria, he experiences a series of surreal and mystical encounters, all while wrestling with the pull of the spirit world. The narrative is a blend of reality and the supernatural, providing a unique perspective on the struggles and complexities of human life.

    The 705th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Arabian Nightmare by Robert Irwin

    "The Arabian Nightmare" is a captivating and surreal journey through the dreams and nightmares of a young scholar named Abdulla. Set in medieval Cairo, the book explores the blurred lines between reality and fantasy as Abdulla becomes entangled in a web of magical creatures, mythical beings, and supernatural occurrences. With richly descriptive prose and a deep understanding of Arabian folklore, the story delves into themes of identity, love, and the power of storytelling, leaving readers questioning the nature of dreams and the boundaries of the human imagination.

    The 1974th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Sheep Look Up by John Brunner

    "The Sheep Look Up" is a dystopian science fiction novel that presents a grim and polluted future where environmental degradation and overpopulation have reached catastrophic levels. The story follows various characters as they navigate a world plagued by toxic pollution, food shortages, and rampant disease outbreaks. With a sharp critique of corporate greed and government negligence, the novel explores the consequences of humanity's disregard for the environment and the urgent need for change.

    The 3041st Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Children Of Blood And Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

    In a world where magic has been suppressed and the maji people have been oppressed, Zélie, a young maji girl, embarks on a dangerous quest to restore magic and bring justice to her people. Alongside her brother and a rogue princess, Zélie must confront her own powers and face formidable enemies, navigating a treacherous landscape of betrayal and sacrifice. As they race against time, Zélie discovers that she may hold the key to not only saving her people, but also to changing the destiny of their entire nation.

    The 3194th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Who Fears Death by Nnedi Okorafor

    This novel is a coming-of-age narrative set in a post-apocalyptic Africa. It follows the journey of a young woman born from a violent act, who is prophesied to bring an end to a brutal regime. As she grows, she discovers her magical abilities and must learn to control them in order to fulfill her destiny. The narrative explores themes of race, gender, and power, while incorporating elements of African mythology and culture.

    The 4868th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Binti by Nnedi Okorafor

    "Binti" is a science fiction novella that follows the journey of a young Himba girl named Binti, who defies her family's wishes and leaves her home to attend the prestigious Oomza University. As the first of her people to be accepted, Binti faces various challenges and cultural clashes as she navigates the complexities of interstellar travel and encounters an alien race known as the Meduse. Through her unique abilities and determination, Binti becomes a bridge between two civilizations, ultimately transforming her own identity and challenging societal norms.

    The 6640th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Monsieur, Or The Prince Of Darkness by Lawrence Durrell

    "Monsieur, Or The Prince Of Darkness" is a captivating novel that explores the complex and enigmatic life of a man known as Monsieur. Set against the backdrop of post-war Europe, the story delves into Monsieur's mysterious past, his involvement in espionage, and his relationships with various intriguing characters. Through vivid prose and intricate storytelling, the book delves into themes of identity, love, and the blurred lines between good and evil, leaving readers questioning the true nature of Monsieur until the very end.

    The 7960th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Rosewater by Tade Thompson

    "Rosewater" by Tade Thompson is a captivating science fiction novel set in a future Nigeria. The story follows Kaaro, a government agent with psychic abilities who works in the town of Rosewater, built around an alien biodome that heals and grants powers to those who enter it. As Kaaro navigates the complex world of telepathy, government conspiracies, and a mysterious alien presence, he becomes entangled in a dangerous plot that could change the fate of humanity. With its rich world-building and thought-provoking exploration of power and identity, "Rosewater" is a thrilling and immersive read.

    The 10730th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download