The Greatest Nigerian, Australian "Fiction" Books Since 2000

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 300 '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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  1. 1. Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

    The novel is set in Nigeria during the Biafran War, exploring the impact of the conflict on the lives of its characters. The story is told from the perspective of three characters: a young houseboy, a radical university professor, and the professor's wealthy lover. The narrative delves into themes of love, race, and war, offering a vivid depiction of the horrors of conflict and the resilience of the human spirit.

  2. 2. Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

    The novel follows a young Nigerian woman who emigrates to the United States for a university education. While there, she experiences racism and begins blogging about her experiences as an African woman in America. Meanwhile, her high school sweetheart faces his own struggles in England and Nigeria. The story is a powerful exploration of race, immigration, and the complex nature of identity, love, and belonging.

  3. 3. True History of the Kelly Gang by Peter Carey

    This historical novel is a fictionalized account of the life of Australian outlaw Ned Kelly, told in the form of a journal written to his daughter. The narrative explores Kelly's life from childhood, his family's struggles with poverty and the law, his involvement in horse thievery, and his eventual formation of the Kelly Gang. The story culminates with the gang's infamous standoff with the police at Glenrowan, providing a humanizing perspective on a figure often portrayed as a ruthless criminal.

  4. 4. Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts

    The novel follows the life of a convicted Australian bank robber and heroin addict who escapes from prison and flees to India. Settling in the bustling city of Mumbai, he assumes a new identity and immerses himself in the local culture, forming a close bond with the people in a slum. As he navigates his new environment, he becomes entangled in various criminal activities, including running a free health clinic, working for the Bombay mafia, and fighting in Afghanistan. Throughout his journey, he grapples with love, forgiveness, and his quest for redemption, all while exploring themes of good and evil, friendship, and the complexities of the human spirit.

  5. 5. Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

    "Purple Hibiscus" follows the story of a 15-year-old Nigerian girl, Kambili, and her older brother Jaja, who live a privileged life in Enugu. However, their father is a religious fanatic and a domestic tyrant. The siblings are sent to their Aunty Ifeoma's home, a university professor, who provides them a taste of freedom and shows them a different way of life outside their father's oppressive rule. The novel explores themes of colonialism, religious fanaticism, and the post-colonial political situation in Nigeria.

  6. 6. 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.

  7. 7. The Arrival by Shaun Tan

    "The Arrival" is a wordless graphic novel that tells the story of a man who leaves his troubled homeland to seek a better life in an unknown country. The man's journey is filled with strange, surreal experiences as he navigates a new culture, language, and way of life, all while missing his family. The book explores themes of immigration, displacement, and hope in a beautifully illustrated, silent narrative.

  8. 8. 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.

  9. 9. Carry Me Down by M.J. Hyland

    The novel is a coming-of-age story about a young boy named John Egan who lives in Ireland with his parents. John possesses an unusual gift for detecting lies, which he believes makes him a "human lie detector." As he navigates the complexities of adolescence, his family's financial struggles, and his own emotional turmoil, John's unique ability begins to cause more harm than good. The story explores themes of truth, deception, and the lengths one will go to preserve self-identity.

  10. 10. The Great Fire by Shirley Hazzard

    "The Great Fire" is a historical novel set in the aftermath of World War II. The story follows a British war hero, Aldred Leith, who is sent to occupied Japan to research the effects of the war on the country's culture. During his stay, he falls in love with a young girl, Helen, who is the daughter of the Australian camp commander. Despite the age difference and societal expectations, the two form a deep bond. The book explores themes of love, war, cultural change, and personal transformation.

  11. 11. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

    In a seemingly idyllic beachside town, three women's lives become entangled when their children start kindergarten. As the school year progresses, secrets, lies, and betrayals slowly unravel, leading to a shocking incident that will change their lives forever. With a mix of humor, suspense, and poignant moments, this gripping novel explores the complexities of motherhood, friendship, and the consequences of keeping secrets.

  12. 12. 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.

  13. 13. My Sister, The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

    In this darkly comedic novel, a nurse named Korede finds herself repeatedly cleaning up after her sister Ayoola, who has a disturbing habit of killing her boyfriends. As Ayoola's murderous tendencies escalate, Korede is torn between her loyalty to her sister and her growing concern for the next potential victim. As secrets unravel and tensions rise, the sisters' bond is put to the ultimate test, leading to a gripping and unexpected conclusion.

  14. 14. Deltora Quest Series by Emily Rodda

    The series is a collection of fantasy novels that follow the journey of a young boy named Lief, who is tasked with finding the seven lost gems of the Belt of Deltora. Accompanied by his companions Barda and Jasmine, he must travel across the land of Deltora, facing numerous challenges and adversaries, in order to restore the belt's magical properties and overthrow the tyrannical rule of the Shadow Lord. Each gem is hidden in a perilous location and guarded by a fearsome guardian, requiring courage, wit, and perseverance to be retrieved. The quest is not only a physical adventure but also a journey of self-discovery for the heroes as they learn the importance of friendship, trust, and bravery.

  15. 15. Dirt Music by Tim Winton

    The novel explores the entangled lives of a small, tight-knit community in Western Australia, where the past and personal grief weigh heavily on the present. It centers on the illicit romance between Georgie Jutland, a woman feeling trapped in her relationship with a local fisherman, and Lu Fox, a poacher with a troubled history. Their connection sets off a chain of events that disrupts the community and sends Lu on a transformative journey into the remote Australian wilderness. As the narrative unfolds, the characters grapple with their inner demons, the harsh realities of love and survival, and the redemptive power of nature and music.

  16. 16. Cafe Scheherazade by Arnold Zable

    "Cafe Scheherazade" is a poignant narrative that weaves together the stories of Jewish Holocaust survivors who have found a haven in a Melbourne cafe, where they share their harrowing experiences and the tales of their pasts. The cafe becomes a place of solace and storytelling, where memories of love, loss, and endurance amidst the horrors of war are exchanged. Through the recounting of personal histories, the novel explores themes of displacement, the importance of community, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

  17. 17. The Secret River by Kate Grenville

    "The Secret River" is a historical novel that explores the life of William Thornhill, a convict from London who is deported to Australia in the early 19th century. After serving his sentence, Thornhill stakes a claim on a stretch of land along the Hawkesbury River, where he and his family attempt to establish a new life. However, their presence leads to tension and brutal conflict with the Aboriginal people who have lived on the land for generations. The novel delves into themes of colonization, survival, and the moral complexities of claiming ownership in a new world, providing a poignant look at the personal and cultural consequences of European settlement in Australia.

  18. 18. The Slap by Christos Tsiolkas

    "The Slap" is a thought-provoking novel that explores the repercussions of a single incident at a suburban barbecue. When a man slaps a misbehaving child who is not his own, it sets off a chain of events that unravels the lives of the characters involved. Told from multiple perspectives, the book delves into themes of family, morality, and the complexities of modern society, challenging readers to question their own beliefs and values.

  19. 19. Boyz Rule by Phil Kettle

    "Boyz Rule" is a children's book series that delves into the adventures and misadventures of a group of boys as they navigate the trials and tribulations of childhood. The stories are filled with humor and the spirit of camaraderie, focusing on themes like friendship, sportsmanship, and the various challenges that come with growing up. Each book in the series typically centers around a specific activity or event, from sports competitions to school projects, and showcases the boys working together, often learning valuable life lessons along the way.

  20. 20. Scarecrow by Matthew Reilly

    In this high-octane thriller, the protagonist, an elite intelligence operative known by his codename, navigates a world brimming with danger and betrayal. After being falsely accused of a horrendous crime, he becomes the target of a global bounty hunt, forcing him to evade capture by bounty hunters and international special forces alike. As he fights to clear his name and uncover the true culprits behind the conspiracy, he must also contend with a series of high-stakes missions that take him across the world. The narrative is a relentless race against time, packed with explosive action and intricate plot twists that keep the reader on the edge of their seat from start to finish.

  21. 21. Rage by Steve Gerlach

    "Rage" is a chilling psychological thriller that delves into the darkest corners of the human psyche. The narrative follows the life of a man who, after experiencing a traumatic event, finds himself on a relentless quest for vengeance. His journey is marked by a transformation from an everyday individual into a person consumed by anger and a desire for retribution. As he descends further into his own personal hell, the lines between justice and revenge blur, leading to a gripping and harrowing exploration of the consequences of unbridled rage and the impact it has on one's soul and the world around them.

  22. 22. Rules Of Summer by Shaun Tan

    "Rules of Summer" is a visually stunning and thought-provoking picture book that explores the complex relationship between two young boys during their summer vacation. Through a series of surreal and imaginative illustrations, the book delves into themes of friendship, power dynamics, and the unspoken rules that govern their interactions. With its rich imagery and open-ended narrative, "Rules of Summer" invites readers to reflect on the nuances of human relationships and the lessons learned during the season of growth and change.

  23. 23. The Swan Book by Alexis Wright

    "The Swan Book" is set in a dystopian future where climate change has wreaked havoc on Australia, transforming it into a landscape of perpetual floods. The story centers around Oblivia Ethylene, a mute and traumatized Aboriginal girl who is found living in a wrecked ship grounded in a tree. She is taken under the wing of Bella Donna, a European woman who marries the first Aboriginal president of Australia. The narrative weaves elements of Aboriginal mythology, environmental disaster, and the political struggles of indigenous peoples, exploring themes of displacement, identity, and resilience.

  24. 24. Say You’re One of Them by Uwem Akpan

    "Say You're One of Them" is a collection of five stories, each set in a different African country, that provides a heart-wrenching look into the lives of children trying to survive in the face of unimaginable hardship. The stories deal with issues such as child trafficking, religious conflict, and poverty, presenting the harsh realities of life in Africa through the innocent eyes of children. The book is a powerful exploration of the resilience and hope of these children in the face of adversity.

  25. 25. The White Girl by Tony Birch

    "The White Girl" is a poignant narrative that explores the struggles and resilience of an Aboriginal woman, Odette Brown, who is raising her spirited granddaughter, Sissy, in a small Australian town during the era of the oppressive Protection Acts. These laws grant the government control over the lives of Indigenous people. The story intensifies when a new, menacing local policeman threatens to remove Sissy from Odette's care, fearing that her heritage will lead her to a life of disadvantage. Determined to protect her granddaughter from being taken into state custody, Odette embarks on a desperate journey to secure Sissy's safety and preserve their familial bonds against the backdrop of systemic racism and discrimination.

Reading Statistics

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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