- Nigerian authors have made significant contributions to the literary world, particularly in the romance genre
- These books explore themes of love, identity, and self-discovery, reflecting the country's rich cultural heritage and modern influences on relationships
- TheRadar has compiled a list of books on romance, from heartwarming tales to passionate love stories and emotional sagas
Nigerian authors have made remarkable strides in romance, weaving love stories that reflect the nation's diverse cultures, traditions, and modern influences.
Romance novels by Nigerian writers offer more than just heartwarming love stories. They delve into the complexities of relationships, personal growth, societal expectations, and emotional resilience.
From contemporary urban love tales set in the bustling cities of Lagos and Abuja to historical romances unfolding against the backdrop of Nigeria’s rich heritage, these stories capture the essence of love in its many forms.
Whether you enjoy stories of second chances, forbidden love, or tales of passion tested by societal norms, this list offers something for every romance reader, taking you through narratives that span time, culture, and personal struggles.
TheRadar has compiled 20 captivating romance books by Nigerian authors that showcase the beauty and complexity of love in all its forms.
20 romance books by Nigerians
Here are 20 romance novels by Nigerian authors. These books explore love in its many forms against various social and cultural backdrops:
1. In Dependence by Sarah Ladipo Manyika: This novel spans decades, telling the story of Tayo, a Nigerian student, and Vanessa, a British woman who fell in love during the 1960s. Their interracial romance is tested by time, distance, and societal expectations. ‘In Dependence’ delves into the complexities of race, identity, and love across continents.
2. When You Are Mine by Michael Afenfia: A story about love, betrayal, and the ties that bind us. Michael Afenfia weaves a tale of love complicated by power dynamics, societal expectations, and personal ambition, making it a gripping read for romance enthusiasts.
3. The Thing Around Your Neck by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: Though more of a short story collection than a novel, The book contains deeply moving stories about love and relationships. The explorations of the emotional and cultural challenges of romance are captivating.
4. Love Me Unconditionally by Ola Awonubi: ‘Love Me Unconditionally’ follows the emotional journey of Zainab and Lanre, two individuals from different walks of life who are bound by fate and challenged by society’s expectations. It’s a touching story of how love can transcend personal differences.
5. A Heart to Mend by Myne Whitman: This contemporary Nigerian romance tells the story of Gladys Eborah, who moves to Lagos for a better life. She meets Edward Bestman, a wealthy businessman with a troubled past. Their love story explores trust, emotional healing, and redemption.
6. A Love to Remember by Nana Prah: A steamy medical romance, ‘A Love to Remember’ is the story of Liza, a skilled doctor, and Doctor Durojaiye, her former boss. Nana Prah writes about rekindled passion with a backdrop of professional life and personal growth.
7. Dazzling Mirage by Olayinka Abimbola Egbokhare: In this book, the protagonist, Funmi, grapples with sickle cell disease, but the heart of the story is her love life. The novel deals with the realities of illness in romantic relationships, challenging stigmas and exploring what it means to love and be loved.
8. Forever There for You by Chioma Nnani: The book follows the journey of Nadine, a woman searching for love and fulfillment while facing the emotional trauma of her past. The novel is a heartwarming tale about personal growth, forgiveness, and self-love while highlighting the complexities of modern relationships.
9. Ties That Bind by Okey Chigbo: ‘Ties That Bind’ is a romantic drama about two people whose backgrounds challenge their love. It explores how love must often contend with family, tradition, and societal expectations in Nigeria.
10. Love is Power, or Something Like That by A. Igoni Barrett: This collection of stories by A. Igoni Barrett explores love in various forms: romantic, familial, and platonic. Through vivid characters and emotional depth, Barrett explains how love can shape and change lives, even amid social and political chaos.
11. Swallow by Sefi Atta: Though not purely a romance novel, ‘Swallow’ contains elements of love amid a larger narrative about two women navigating life in Lagos. Atta’s writing blends personal stories of love and friendship with broader social issues.
12. The Phoenix by Chika Unigwe: The Phoenix tells the story of a Nigerian woman in Belgium dealing with grief and personal loss. As she struggles with her pain, she also navigates the complexities of her marriage, creating a powerful and emotional portrayal of love and its challenges.
13. Love’s Destiny by Mofoluwaso Ilevbare: In this Christian romance novel, Akin and Dara’s love is tested by secrets, guilt, and faith. The author crafts a deeply emotional story about healing, forgiveness, and the power of love within the context of Christian values.
14. Thread of Gold Beads by Nike Campbell-Fatoki: Set in 19th-century West Africa, ‘Thread of Gold Beads’ is a historical romance that follows Amelia, the daughter of a king, as she faces war, betrayal, and love. Nike Campbell-Fatoki combines historical fiction with a poignant love story, making it a compelling read.
15. Guarding Her Heart by Zaynab Alkali: The renowned Nigerian author explores the inner life of love in ‘Guarding Her Heart’. The book examines the emotional walls people build to protect themselves from heartbreak and how true love can break through those barriers.
16. The Wife’s Tale by Aida Edemariam: Part memoir and historical narrative. The book explores a love story across generations. Though primarily recounting the author’s grandmother’s life, it offers an intimate look at how love endures through family, history, and tradition.
17. The Opposite of Love by Mosunmola K. Akinremi: This contemporary novel tells the story of Eniola, a woman navigating love and betrayal in Lagos. Eniola must decide whether love is enough to keep her grounded as she tries to balance career ambitions and personal relationships.
18. Beneath the Surface by Amaka Azie: ‘Beneath the Surface’ is a modern romance about Ijay and Chuma, two people from vastly different worlds whose attraction grows despite their differences. It’s a passionate love story set in Nigeria that explores class, ambition, and trust themes.
19. Love After War by Onyeka Nwelue: Set against the backdrop of the Nigerian Civil War, ‘Love After War’ is a romantic drama that tells the story of love blooming amid conflict and chaos. It’s a tale of resilience, passion, and survival during one of Nigeria’s most challenging historical periods.
20. Of Women and Frogs by Bisi Adjapon: This coming-of-age story follows Esi, a young woman in Ghana and Nigeria, navigating love, tradition, and personal identity. While the book covers broader societal themes, its love stories are poignant and relatable, making it a great addition to the romance genre.
These 20 books showcase the diverse ways Nigerian authors approach romance, with each novel offering a unique perspective on love, relationships, and cultural contexts.
From contemporary love stories to tales of passion set against historical backdrops, these authors skillfully capture the complexities of romance in Nigerian society.
Whether you’re a fan of heartwarming love stories or prefer more unconventional romantic narratives, Nigerian romance literature has something for everyone.
Feminism: 10 Nigerian books that centre around women
Meanwhile, in an earlier report, TheRadar compiled a list of some Nigerian novels that focus on women. These books explored the themes of gender inequality, motherhood, identity, sexual violence, and marriage issues, reflecting the evolving roles of women in Nigerian and diaspora settings.
They include Stay with Me, The Girl with the Louding Voice, Everything Good Will Come, and Ordinary People.