Africa is one of the world’s most diverse continents. It has a total of 54 countries, each of which has its own deep history and rich culture. Many of these places are on my wanderlust list and I plan to visit them one day.  Until then, I have opted for the next best thing … traveling through books.

I love getting lost in a good book. My favorite genres are historical fiction and autobiographies that provide insight into the author’s culture. I don’t believe you can truly appreciate a country without learning about its culture and history. This includes the hardships and struggles that country has faced over the years. I highly recommend you add these books to your reading list.

1. Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese (Ethiopia)

Cutting for Stone takes us to Ethiopia during the 1950’s. The novel traces the lives of two brothers and the special bond they share as twins. Their story is told through their own point of view (as well as those close to them), while intertwined with Ethiopian history and culture.  We can’t help but feel connected to these characters as we experience their relationships with each other and see the world through their eyes. Verghese does an amazing job creating and developing this connection while simultaneously exposing us to mid-century Ethiopia. Cultural and historical fiction at its best, this novel opens your mind in so many ways. Cutting for Stone is by far, one of my favorite books.

2. Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Nigeria)

Half of a Yellow Sun takes us to Nigeria during the late sixties and seventies through the eyes of five characters. We learn about the life of each character, their relationships with each other, and their fight to survive during a time of war. The backdrop of the novel provides us with insight into the Biafran war – the causes, the tragedies, the creation of Biafra and its short-lived secession from Nigeria (May 1967 to January 1970). Another great work blending fiction with history and culture.

3.  Infidel -by Ayaan Hirsi Ali (Somalia)

Infidel is the autobiography of Ayaan Hirsi Ali, which follows her journey from her childhood in Somalia amidst civil war right up to her escape to the Netherlands where she sought asylum. Infidel traces Ali’s journey from a life of devout religion and submission, to her life as a political figure and an outspoken advocate for women and free speech.

4. The Poisonwood Bible – by Barbara Kingsolver (Democratic Republic of Congo)

The Poisonwood Bible is about a family that moves from the U.S. to Belgian Congo (what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo) in the early 1960’s. The family’s story is told through the narratives of four daughters.  The novel is based on the family’s adjustment to life and culture in the Congo during the sixties amidst political turmoil and the country’s movement towards independence.

5. Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood – by Trevor Noah (South Africa)

Trevor Noah takes us to South Africa in the 1970’s-1990’s during the time of apartheid and post-apartheid. We learn about his life growing up as a “mixed” child (his mother is black and his father is white) in a time and place where his parents’ relationship and his very existence were illegal. Despite growing up during this dark period of his country’s history, Trevor cleverly displays his wit, humor, and resilience through various anecdotes of his childhood.