In “What are the features of a good book about Africa?” the history of modern African fiction has suffered from a century-long branding issue, where novels are often categorized and judged primarily on their social, cultural, and political themes rather than their literary quality is discussed. This trend, rooted in both Western and African critical perspectives, has led to African literature being seen mainly as a vehicle for addressing issues, making it less visible when it doesn't align with these expectations. This focus on thematic content over aesthetic value has limited the readership and appreciation of African fiction as a form of art. The author highlights the different marketing strategies for African versus non-African fiction, pointing out a bias that favors thematic over literary considerations for African works. The call is for a shift in how African fiction is viewed and appreciated, urging for recognition of its literary merit beyond its thematic implications, to broaden its appeal and allow it to be valued as literature in its own right.

In Ainehi Edoro’s “How not to talk about African fiction” Edoro explains a good book on Africa should authentically and respectfully reflect its diversity and complexity, focusing on specific regions and cultures without resorting to stereotypes. It should portray Africans as self-sufficient, with a rich tapestry of ethnicities, emotions, and relationships, including those with animals. The depiction of customs, daily life, and technology should be accurate and viewed from an insider's perspective. Historical and cultural information must be precise, with resources for further learning. Ideally, authors and illustrators with genuine connections to Africa should create these books, using language that avoids colonial or stereotypical connotations. High-quality books on Africa will foster a deeper understanding of the continent and are more likely to receive top ratings.

In summary, the discussion on the features of a good book about Africa emphasizes the need to move beyond the historical branding issues of African fiction, which have prioritized thematic content over literary quality. Ainehi Edoro's insights further underscore the importance of creating high-quality books that authentically and respectfully reflect Africa's diversity and complexity, free from stereotypes and colonial narratives. By championing literature that meets these criteria, we can foster a more inclusive and appreciative literary landscape, recognizing African fiction's true value as art and enriching our understanding of Africa's cultures, histories, and peoples. This shift will broaden African fiction's appeal and ensure it is cherished as a vital component of world literature.

I have found 3 texts that I believe fit the qualifications as discussed in these articles:

1. Chinua Achebe – Author of "Things Fall Apart”
2. Tomi Adeyemi – Author of "Children of Blood and Bone”
3. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – Author of "Purple Hibiscus" and "Americanah"

Chinua Achebe, Tomi Adeyemi, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie are African writers whose works meet the criteria for a good book about Africa as follows:

1. Geographical Representation:
   • Achebe's "Things Fall Apart" is set in the Igbo village of Umuofia in Nigeria, providing a specific cultural and geographical context.
   • Adeyemi's "Children of Blood and Bone" is a fantasy novel, but it draws heavily on West African mythology and settings, creating a world that mirrors the geography and spirit of the region.
   • Adichie's "Americanah" and "Purple Hibiscus" are set in Nigeria, with parts of "Americanah" also taking place in the United States, offering a transatlantic perspective.
2. Cultural Representation:
   • Achebe and Adichie offer nuanced depictions of Nigerian cultures, showcasing both traditional village life and urban settings.
   • Adeyemi's work, while fantastical, incorporates elements of Yoruba culture and language, grounding her fantasy in real-world African culture.
3. Autonomy and Agency:
   • Achebe's characters in "Things Fall Apart" are complex individuals dealing with the impact of colonialism on their own terms.
   • Adichie's characters often grapple with personal and political issues, reflecting the agency of modern Africans.
   • Adeyemi's characters fight against oppression and injustice, demonstrating their autonomy and agency.
4. Diversity of Characters:
   • All three authors create characters from various ethnic backgrounds with rich emotional lives and personal stories.
5. Relationship with Animals:
   • While not a central theme in the works of these authors, when animals are mentioned, they are treated with the complexity appropriate to their cultural significance.
6. Cultural Norms:
   • These authors present African customs and values authentically, often challenging Western readers to understand these norms within their cultural context.
7. Daily Life:
   • The novels depict everyday life in Africa, from the mundane to the extraordinary, providing a balanced view of African societies.
8. Historical and Cultural Accuracy:
   • Achebe and Adichie, in particular, are known for their meticulous research and authentic portrayal of historical and cultural details.
9. Representation of Technology:
   • Adichie's "Americanah" accurately represents the use of modern technology in contemporary Africa.
10. Authorship and Illustration:
    • All three authors are of African descent, with Achebe and Adichie hailing from Nigeria and Adeyemi being a Nigerian-American. Their works are informed by their personal connections to the cultures they write about.
11. Language:
    • The language used by these authors is respectful and rich, often incorporating African dialects and idioms to provide an authentic voice without resorting to stereotypes or colonial perspectives.

****Please excuse me as I misread the assignment and did not see until now that it needed to be a google slide and I do not have enough time to make the adjustment.