7 Best South African Literature Books to read

We’ve been covering African literature from specific countries this whole month. We recently had an entire blog about Nigerian books of all time. You will love to check it out if you are a big fan of Nigerian literature. However, today, we will discuss South African literature books for any vivid reader.

South Africa is one of the best literature countries in Africa. Talk about some of the greatest authors in Africa. You might only mention the likes of Zakes Mda, J. M. Coetzee, Nadine Gordimer, Andre Brink, Njabulo Ndebele, etc. Their literature is a diverse and rich literary tradition that reflects the complex history, culture, and society of South Africa. 

So, while we dive into our list of the most unforgettable South African books, you will notice that most talk about South Africa’s unique history of colonialism, apartheid, and post-apartheid transformation. Here are some of them that you might never want to put down:

7 Books by South African Authors

1. Afterland – by Lauren Beukes

“Afterland” was one of the best South African books in 2020 for its intriguing and thought-provoking premise. It’s all about the near-extinction of men and the resulting gender imbalance. The novel features well-developed characters. It focuses on the protagonist, Cole, a mother who disguises her young son as a girl to protect him from those who might exploit his rarity as a male. 

Cole’s journey is the heart of the story, and it will draw you into her struggle to keep her child safe and make sense of a world turned upside down. Generally, this South African novel is engaging and will keep you turning the pages till the end.

2. Miss Behave – by Malebo Sephodi

South African author and feminist activist Malebo Sephodi wrote this memoir. In this candid and thought-provoking book, Sephodi shares her journey and reflections on womanhood, feminism, and the complexities of navigating society’s expectations.

Sephodi’s willingness to share her vulnerabilities and challenges makes the book relatable and powerful. This fact made it an outstanding book published in 2017. She delves into how race, gender, class, and culture intersect to shape her experiences and perspectives. This intersectional approach adds depth to her narrative.

3. Almost a Bride – by Jo Watson

Another outstanding South African book that we cannot leave out on the list is Watson’s 2017 release, “Almost a Bride“. This book is a contemporary romance novel and part of the Destination Love series. It is famously known for its humour, romance, and travel elements. 

The novel’s setting is Mauritius’s picturesque and exotic location, and Watson’s vivid descriptions bring the island’s beauty to life. The setting adds a delightful layer of escapism to the story, making it a perfect read for those who enjoy armchair travel. If this is a book for you, don’t hesitate to pick it up from the shelf the next time you are at the bookshop.

4. Collective Amnesia – by Koleka Putuma

Koleka Putuma is a South African poet and playwright who put together a powerful literary masterpiece she released in 2017. This collection has received critical acclaim for its powerful and thought-provoking exploration of various themes, including identity, race and social justice.

Putuma’s poetry is fantastic and emotionally charged. Her words can elicit a wide range of emotions in readers, from anger and sorrow to hope and empowerment. If you are a vivid reader of poetry, you may not be able to leave this collection on the shelves.

5. Dancing the Death Drill – by Fred Khumalo

“Dancing the Death Drill” highlights a significant but often overlooked piece of South African history—the sinking of the SS Mendi during World War I. The novel educates readers about the bravery and sacrifice of the South African Native Labour Corps, whose story deserves greater recognition.

Fred Khumalo skillfully creates multi-dimensional characters who feel authentic and relatable. The novel’s protagonist, Pitso Motaung, is a particularly compelling figure whose journey from rural South Africa to the battlefields of Europe is inspiring and heartbreaking. You will love this one, especially if you are passionate about stories relating to South African history.

6. Hum If You Don’t Know the Words – by Bianca Marais

This book employs a dual-narrative structure, alternating between the perspectives of two compelling and well-developed characters: Robin, a young white girl, and Beauty, an older black woman. This narrative choice provides a well-rounded view of the complex and divided society of South Africa during the apartheid era.

Both Robin and Beauty are multilayered and relatable characters. Her innocence and curiosity mark Robin’s coming-of-age journey, while Beauty’s resilience and strength in adversity are inspiring. You will find yourself emotionally invested in the lives of these two characters.

7. An Island – by Karen Jennings

“An Island” is narrated from a highly unusual perspective—told from the point of view of a man “washed up” on a deserted island. The protagonist’s isolation and limited understanding of his surroundings provide a unique lens through which to explore the narrative.

Karen Jennings’ writing is beautifully descriptive, immersing readers in the sensory experiences of the island and the protagonist’s emotions. The prose is evocative and lends depth to the narrative. The novel is relatively short in length but densely packed with meaning. It doesn’t waste words and achieves a lot with its concise storytelling nature.

Final Remarks

That is what we had for you from South African literature. If there is any book about South Africa we might have left out and you think they are amazing for anyone to read, feel free to recommend them in the comment box. Additionally, if you are an author wanting to feature your book in our weekly blogs, kindly contact us to submit your book for review. Good luck!