Half of a Yellow Sun [suggested by Simon Henshall]
Half of a Yellow Sun recreates a seminal moment in modern African history: Biafra’s impassioned struggle to establish an independent republic in Nigeria, and the chilling violence that followed.
In 1960s Nigeria, thirteen-year-old Ugwu, a boy from a poor village, is employed as a houseboy for Odenigbo, a radical university professor full of revolutionary zeal. Soon they are joined by Olanna, a beautiful young woman who has abandoned a life of privilege in Lagos to live in a dusty university town with her charismatic lover. Into their world comes Richard, a shy young English writer, who has fallen for Olanna’s sharp-tongued twin sister Kainene, an enigmatic figure who refuses to belong to anyone. But the shocking horror of civil war soon engulfs the nation. As Nigerian troops advance and they must run for their lives, their loves and loyalties are severely tested, while their lives pull apart and collide once again in ways none of them could have imagined… [description combined from Amazon and author’s website]
The novel has a Wikipedia page, and a dedicated page on the author’s website. A film version was released in 2013.
Author’s Wikipedia page.
Author’s website.
Shortlisted for this month
The book selector for the month can choose up to three books for nomination. This month Simon’s other choices were:
Giovanni’s Room
When David meets the sensual Giovanni in a bohemian bar, he is swept into a passionate love affair. But his girlfriend’s return to Paris destroys everything. Unable to admit to the truth, David pretends the liaison never happened — while Giovanni’s life descends into tragedy. [product description from Amazon]
The book has its own Wikipedia page.
Author’s Wikipedia page.
Author’s entry on biography.com.
On Green Dolphin Street
America, 1959. With two young children she adores, loving parents back in London, and an admired husband, Charlie, working at the British embassy in Washington, the world seems an effervescent place of parties, jazz and family happiness to Mary van der Linden. But the Eisenhower years are ending, and 1960 brings the presidential battle between two ambitious senators: John Kennedy and Richard Nixon. But when Frank, an American newspaper reporter, enters their lives Mary embarks on a passionate affair, all the while knowing that in the end she must confront an impossible decision. [Product description from Amazon]
The book has its own Wikipedia page.
Author’s Wikipedia page.
Author’s website.