By Aderinola Omotosho
Nigerian books are everywhere right now, and TIME Magazine just confirmed it. Four Nigerian authors made the 2025 must-read books list. That’s huge, not just for them, but for Nigerian literature as a whole.
The authors are Oyinkan Braithwaite, Nnedi Okorafor, Bolu Babalola, and Olufunke Grace Bankole. And honestly, each book hits in a completely different way. Nigerian, relatable, and impossible to put down.
Oyinkan Braithwaite’s Cursed Daughters
Lagos is buzzing in this book. Eniiyi is born the same day her cousin dies, and her family is convinced she’s cursed. There’s dark humor, spooky vibes, and family drama you actually feel. Lagos itself almost becomes a character—the streets, the energy, the chaos. Braithwaite does this thing where she makes you laugh, feel tense, and reflect on family all in one chapter. It’s weirdly comforting and unsettling at the same time.
Nnedi Okorafor’s Death of the Author
This one is next-level. Zelu loses her job and decides to write a sci-fi novel. Then things in her book start spilling into her real life. Imagine reading a story about yourself that messes with reality—that’s what this book does. It’s smart, it’s a little creepy, and it’s exactly the kind of story you’ll want to binge over a weekend. Okorafor mixes Nigerian life, personal struggle, and futuristic ideas in a way that feels totally fresh.
Bolu Babalola’s Sweet Heat
Pure rom-com energy. Kiki hosts a podcast giving relationship advice after a messy breakup. And then her ex shows up at her best friend’s wedding. Yeah, chaos. Sparks fly, drama happens, feelings get messy, and you just can’t stop reading. Babalola balances humor and emotion so well—you laugh, swoon, and maybe even tear up a little. Honestly, it’s the kind of story you wish you could star in.
Olufunke Grace Bankole’s The Edge of Water
This is cinematic. It moves between Ibadan and New Orleans and follows Amina as she chases her dreams while juggling family, prophecy, and life-changing events. There’s heartbreak, storms, literally and metaphorically, and spirituality woven throughout. Bankole makes diaspora life feel real and alive, showing how culture, destiny, and family ties shape who we are.
What’s awesome is how different all these books are. Nigerian authors are showing the world they can do everything: supernatural, sci-fi, rom-com, diaspora stories. There’s no limit, no stereotype, just compelling stories with heart.
This recognition is bigger than just a “congratulations.” It shows that Nigerian literature is getting the global attention it deserves. Nigerian writers are making work that’s universal but still unapologetically Nigerian. That’s inspiring not just for readers, but for anyone thinking about writing their own story.
And let’s be real — these aren’t just books for bookworms. They’re stories you’ll want to talk about with friends, post about online, maybe even quote in texts. Nigerian authors are proving that their stories don’t just belong on bookshelves; they belong in conversations everywhere.
So if you’re hunting for your next read, start here. These four books have humor, heart, tension, and world-building that will pull you in. TIME’s list is proof that Nigerian authors aren’t just keeping up—they’re leading the way.
