The Year's Best African Speculative Fiction (2021) - by Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki

Book Synopsis

WINNER BEST ANTHOLOGY, WORLD FANTASY AWARDS "You are bound to be wonderstruck."-Lightspeed Magazine "A must-read."--Locus Magazine "Highly recommended."--The British Fantasy Society

The Year's Best African Speculative Fiction (2021), edited by the award-winning Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki, is not just a book; it's a gateway to the diverse and rich world of African speculative fiction. This anthology, a winner of the Best Anthology at the World Fantasy Awards, is a groundbreaking collection that brings together twenty-nine extraordinary stories by twenty-five talented writers from Africa and its diaspora. These stories represent some of the most exciting voices in the genre, both old and new, offering readers a journey through imaginative landscapes filled with wonder, insight, and a deep understanding of the human and beyond-human experience.

The anthology is a celebration of African speculative fiction, marking a significant moment in the genre. It is the first of its kind, highlighting the breadth and depth of talent that exists within the African speculative fiction community. The collection includes tales from a range of authors, including Somto O. Ihezue, Pemi Aguda, Russell N

Review Quotes

"If these aren't "your stories," you are bound to be wonderstruck by the combined powers of Tobi Ogundirun, Tlotlo Tsamaase, Craig Laurance Gidney, Sheree Renéeacute;e Thomas, T.L. Huchu, Tobias S. Buckell, 'Pemi Aguda, and the many other skilled storytellers in this book. This is an absolute "Must Have" for anyone who enjoys short fiction."-Lightspeed Magazine

"The ephemeral stories in here are some of the most magical, too. "The Friendship Bench" by Yvette Lisa Ndlovu places generational trauma under the lens of "there's a gizmo for that!" with a totally unexpected, even darker twist at the very end. "Penultimate" by ZZ Claybourne shows what happens when someone discovers a pen that can alter the world. And Sheree Renee Thomas's "The Parts That Make Us Monsters" seems to chronicle slave experiences and colonization from the perspective of beings worried about their own status as monsters, in a hauntingly lyrical story I couldn't help but reread as soon as I finished. And that's only the tip of the iceberg for this anthology, which includes past favorites of mine by C.L. Clark and Marian Denise Moore, among a host of other amazing fiction. It took far too long for a volume like this to exist, but it has staked its claim among the industry's Best Of anthologies and set a new bar for others to reach."--Black Gate

"This is a truly excellent collection which will take you to the far future, past and inside the human heart. Prepare to take note of many new authors who you'll want to know far more about also including tales from great authors such as Sheree Rene Thomas, Suyi Davies Okungbowa and Eugen Bacon. My dear readers you need this in your lives - go get it!"--Runalong The Shelves

"YBASF is an eclectic mix of stories from a group of talented and varied writers that will transport you to a world at once familiar but, at the same time, wonderful and new. With so many tales there are going to be some that won't land for you, but that is to be expected. Even those that weren't quite my cup of tea, will definitely have an audience out there. The YBASF will intrigue and delight any lover of short fiction and I would recommend it."--Ginger Nuts of Horror

"I enjoyed this collection, full of imagery from another culture that we don't see represented enough in Western culture. Many of the stories had a musical quality, almost like poetry rather than prose, and each one deserved reprinting. Highly recommended."--The British Science Fiction Society

"If you are a fan of speculative fiction or a reader looking to expand your world, The Year's Best African Speculative Fiction is a must-read. If the names of the writers look unfamiliar, all the more reason to get this, and strap-in for a journey that makes its way through stories descended from a different literary ancestor that you're used to, and a storytelling tradition that is at once, both contemporary and ancient. Could this anthology have been better? I think so, yes. Given that this is the very first Year's Best African Speculative Fiction, an introduction to African speculative fiction and the choices made while putting together the book and how it came to be would have helped, especially when you consider that this anthology is possibly going to be the first African speculative fiction anthology for many readers. Another noticeable lack is the omission of Ekpeki's 2020 Otherwise Award winning novella, "Ife-Iyoku, The Tale of Imadeyunuagbon", also published in Dominion. These would've made the anthology better, but that's not to say this lack diminishes

About the Author

Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki is a rising star in the world of speculative fiction, hailing from Nigeria, both as a writer and an editor. Work he has edited presents a vibrant blend of African culture, thought-provoking themes, and groundbreaking narratives that offer a fresh perspective in the genre and many of his edited works have either been nominated or won major awards in science ficiton, including the Hugo and the Nebula. With a deep understanding of the human condition and a unique voice, Ekpeki's writings and choices not only entertain but also enlighten, making him a must-read author and editor for anyone looking to explore new horizons in literature.

Highlights

• Award-Winning Author: Ekpeki has received numerous accolades, including prestigious awards, recognizing his exceptional storytelling and editing skills and contribution to speculative fiction.

  
  

• Cultural Ambassador: His work often reflects the rich heritage and complex social dynamics of Africa, providing an authentic and compelling representation of the continent in literature.

  
  

• Innovative Storyteller: Ekpeki is known for his inventive narratives that challenge conventional storytelling, offering readers a unique and engaging experience.

  
  

• Thought-Provoking Themes: His selections and stories he writes delve into deep and often unexplored themes, encouraging readers to think critically about societal issues and the human experience.

  
  

• International Appeal: Despite being deeply rooted in African culture, Ekpeki's work resonates with a global audience, showcasing the universality of his themes and storytelling.

  
  

• Inspirational Role Model: As a successful author and editor from Nigeria, Ekpeki serves as an inspiration for aspiring writers, particularly in Africa, showing that success in the global literary scene is achievable.