In a Channel Four ad promoting programming for Black History Month, the British-Sudanese comedian Ola Labib comments in typically marvellous sardonic style, “I don’t want to pick a specific month.” Chiming with that, we’ve reflected on brilliant books by Black writers we’ve read in the past twelve months to bring you twelve novels to read between now and next year’s Black History Month.

It goes without saying that we all read at our own pace. So, if you get through more than one novel a month, browse our Black Writers’ Collection, and keep checking back to discover new novels as they’re published. We’re already excited about a stack of upcoming 2023 books, among them River Sing Me Home, and the paperback edition of The Island of Forgetting.

In the meantime, to get you going, here’s an overview of 12 highly recommended recently-published novels by Black writers.

The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho by Paterson Joseph

Endlessly characterful and entertaining, this tells the extraordinary story of a Black Briton who rose from being born on a slave ship to lead the fight to end slavery. 

In Every Mirror She’s Black by Lola Akinmade Åkerström

This timely page-turner of a debut explores the very different lives of three Black women living in Sweden. After reading this, dive into our suggested book club discussion questions.

The Attic Child by Lola Jaye

This incredible heart-breaker/heart-healer follows the life of an 11-year-old boy who was taken from his Congolese village in 1903 to live with an English explorer. We created book club questions for this, too.

Moon Witch Spider King by Marlon James

This second epic instalment of a Booker Prize-winner’s pioneering fantasy trilogy blazes with African mythology, witches and shapeshifters.

The Monsters We Defy by Leslye Penelope

Set in 1920s Washington, this dazzler blends history and magical fantasy to conjure a supernatural heist story like nothing else.

Black Sunday by Tola Rotimi Abraham

Set in Lagos, this moving, honest coming-of-age debut explores the struggles, heartaches and hopes of four siblings.

You Made a Fool of Death With Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi

This punch-packing literary love story explores grief, all-consuming sexual desire and awakenings of the soul.

Dele Weds Destiny by Tomi Obaro

A story of class, race and the complexities of female friendship across thirty years told in crisply lyrical style.

Nightcrawling by Leila Mottley

Based on real-life events, this searing debut exposes corrupt cops and an unjust legal system, with a soul-stirring representation of sibling love.

Asking for a Friend by Andi Osho

Like your fiction funny? This rip-tickling romp see three friends liberate themselves from apps to adopt an old-school, IRL approach to dating.

Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson

Moving and compelling, this family-focussed debut crosses generations and continents as it explores reinvented identities and connections across the Caribbean diaspora. After reading it, feast on our book club discussion questions.

One Day, One Day Congotay by Merle Hodge

Set on a Caribbean island in the first half of the 20th-century, this sweeping novel explores colonial oppression, independence and identity through a family and community.

As well as exploring our Black Writers’ Collection, you might also want to explore our Caribbean Writers’ collection, our voices from Africa collection, and our recommended reads about race, racism, and demarginalizing history. 

Our Industry Insights interview with pioneering publisher Peepal Tree Press also offers plenty to pique your interest.