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 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. 

In the meantime, to get you going, here’s an overview of 25 highly recommended novels by Black writers.

Gaslight by Femi Kayode 

This thrilling murder mystery set in Nigeria bursts with impressive energy, Gaslight sits as a particular favourite with our LoveReading staff. Powerful, provocative and absolutely captivating, Gaslight deserves to fly. Highly recommended. 

Tiger Work by Ben Okri 

Wondrous and powerful, this anthology of climate change fiction, poetry and prose addresses vital issues and the urgent need for action with boldness and beauty.

Let Us Descend by Jesmyn Ward

Suffused in mythic majesty, this bone-deep beautiful book sees an enslaved woman move from darkness to the light of selfhood, accompanied by memories of her mother and ancestral spirits.

For Such a Time as This by Shani Akilah 

This is a beautiful collection of thirteen interconnected short stories about a group of Black British friends. A brilliant and brave book with bundles of heart featuring a group of bright young people determined to make their mark on the world.

In Such Tremendous Heat by Kehinde Fadipe 

Taking in tangled relationships, complex friendships, and corporate drama, this Singapore-set page-turner sees three women of Nigerian heritage face their pasts to fashion fresh futures.

The Three of Us by Ore Agbaje-Williams 

Told over a single day, this compulsive novel of tension between a woman’s husband and best friend explores aspiration, control, rivalry and loyalty in darkly comic style.

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.