Black History Month: Must-Read Books by Black Writers
October is the UK’s Black History Month, where we celebrate Black culture and heritage. Here at Chambers Smith, we’re taking the opportunity to widen our horizons by reading some essential examples of black literature. Obviously it’s a great idea to expand the diversity of our reading material all year round, not just in October. Still, it’s a great month to read some great books, and to share them with others!
Recommendations from others are a fantastic way to discover all sorts of things, from your financial advice provider to the best teabags for your morning cuppa. So here are our recommendations of must-read books by Black writers – they’re all books that we’ve either read or are planning on reading this month!
1. Small Island by Andrea Levy
Small Island is the story of two women and two men’s lives through the lens of post-war Caribbean migration to England. It’s a fascinating and eye-opening tale of the Windrush generation, laying bare the experiences of Caribbean migrants and those who associated with them. The characters are fully-drawn and powerful, and you’ll be gripped until the end. It’s also been made into a BBC TV show, if you fancied watching! Benedict Cumberbatch, Ruth Jones, and Naomie Harris all star, so you know it must be good.
2. The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
It’s hard to describe such a hard-hitting book as this. It’s the story of Cora, a slave on a Virginia cotton plantation. Cora and Caesar, another slave, decide to try to escape to the North via the underground railroad. But the underground railroad in this book isn’t just a metaphor – it’s an actual railroad under the ground, transporting escapee slaves to (relative) safety. The book is packed full of the very real terrors faced on a daily basis by American slaves, and you’ll never quite rest easy as you read along. But it’s so vivid, and so vital, and you’ll be glad that you read it.
3. Black Tudors by Miranda Kaufmann
This book focuses on 10 individuals of African descent and their lives in 16th century Tudor Britain. It’s meticulously researched, and there’s so much to learn! We had no idea prior to reading this that England held itself as proudly slavery free in these times, or that one of Henry VIII’s favourite trumpeters was a black man. If you have even a passing interest in the Tudor dynasty, this is a fantastic read.
4. A Promised Land by Barack Obama
He needs no introduction, but we’ll attempt to do one justice! This is Barack Obama’s account of his journey to the White House in that extraordinary election of 2008. We all know the basics of the story, but here are the intimate details in Obama’s own words, including how his race intersected with running for office and the expectations on his shoulders.
5. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou is well known as one of the most important voices and activists of the 20th century, and this, the first instalment of her autobiography, perfectly displays why. The book follows Angelou’s childhood in the rural American South during the era of Jim Crow. Yes, her story is full of cruelty, but it is also full of love and hope, and will stay with you for a long time.
6. Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge
This book has so much wisdom to share, and is written so clearly and passionately. It challenges all white people to reflect on topics that may seem uncomfortable, but which are necessary for fully understanding racism both in the past and in the current day. Eddo-Lodge talks through specific examples as well as wider pictures in an honest and accessible manner. The title may evoke negative feelings, but it’s worth reading the whole book to understand why.
7. The Colour Purple by Alice Walker
The story of Celie, a black woman born between the wars in the American South, and the other black women within her life. This book won the Pulitzer Prize, and you’ll be able to see why! It’s brilliantly written as a series of letters from Celie to God and between her and her sister. As with I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, again there is darkness and pain, but there is also an abundance of love and hope. Celie’s journey towards independence and love for herself and others is beautiful.
8. Black and British by David Olusoga
This book is the children’s version of Black and British: A Forgotten History, which is also worth a read! However, creating a book for ages 12+ was a genius move. It’s easy to understand, and explores the history of black people in the British Isles from the Roman Empire to the present day. Illustrations, maps, and photos complete the package. Definitely a good choice for the youngsters in your life!
9. Girl, Woman, Other by Bernadine Evaristo
This is a hugely satisfying book charting the interwoven lives of twelve, mostly black, British people. Their different ages, classes, races, experiences, perspectives, and histories are drawn so well, and you’ll enjoy every single one of them. There’s a reason it won the Man Booker prize in 2019 – its prose is flowing and its characters are vivid. There’s something for everyone here.
10. Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
Possibly our favourite book on this list, which, of course, is a big call! This is the story of Effia and Esi, two Ghanian sisters whose lives follow very different trajectories. The book follows both of them and their descendants across three continents, consequently taking in multiple time periods and attitudes to race that will often sting. It’s an incredible achievement of a book, and one we highly, highly recommend.
We hope you enjoyed this list and our recommendations, and, of course, we hope you enjoy the books featured, if you decide to give any a go! We’re always happy to share our thoughts on anything that could help to make our clients’ lives more enjoyable – it’s the reason we’re financial advisers, after all. Let us know if you’ve read and loved any of these, or if you have any recommendations of your own!
