October is Black History Month so here are a few recommendations from Black authors, three fiction and three memoirs. Or why not visit the library and browse our other titles.
The First Woman by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi
Published in 2020, this novel is set in Idi Amin’s Uganda and tells of the coming of age story of Kirabo. She is fiercely independent and is surrounded by strong female relatives. She deals with love, loss and complex family dynamics.Available to lend at Narborough & Littlethorpe Community Library
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
Published in 2020, this novel spans from the 1950s to the 1990s and is set across America. After running away from their small southern town aged sixteen, the Agnes twins find very different new lives apart from each other. One, passing as white, hides her traumatic past from her family. The other, lives with her daughter back in her hometown.Shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for fiction.
We can order this for you for a £1 charge.
Swing Time by Zadie Smith
Published in 2016, this novel is set in North West London to West Africa. It follows two friends who dream of becoming dancer. Their friendship ends and Tracey dances in a chorus line whilst Amiee becomes a philanthropist in West Africa.Longlisted for the Man Booker Prize.
Available to lend at Narborough & Littlethorpe Community Library
Rising To The Surface by Lenny Henry
Published in 2022, this documents Lenny Henry’s life in the 80s and 90s as he navigates his life through the comedy scene. He also writes of the death of his mother, the book is described as ‘moving and honest’.We can order this for you for a £1 charge.
A Promised Land by Barack Obama
Published 2018, this is the first volume of Barack Obama’s presidential memoirs. He goes through his childhood, his election campaign and his first term in office. He also includes personal stories of his family.We can order this for you for a £1 charge
Manifesto On Never Giving Up by Bernadine Evaristo
Published in 2022, Bernardine Evaristo is the 2019 winner of the Booker Prize for Girl, Woman, Other. This memoir documents her life growing up and surviving London whilst setting up Britain’s first theatre company for Black women, and moving on to settle into her career in writing. She also confronts racism and toxic relationships.Available to lend at Narborough & Littlethorpe Community Library
You can check which books are currently in the library at https://www.leicestershire.gov.uk/leisure-and-community/libraries
Narborough and Littlethorpe Community Library 