6 Books about Zambia

Every day is a good day for reading—and we are thrilled to highlight talented Zambian authors and several masterful literary works that delve into the complexities and character of this beautiful country. 

Ellen Banda-Aaku won the Commonwealth Writer’s Prize in 2012 for her book Patchwork, which is written from the perspective of an illegitimate child growing up in Zambia and details how his status as a social pariah affected his adult life. 

Namwali Serpell, born in Lusaka, specializes in historical and science fiction. She also has written for The New Yorker and The Los Angeles Times. Her first published short story, "Muzungu", was chosen as one of The Best American Short Stories in 2009 and her novel, Old Drift, was named one of the 2019 Best Books of the Year by the New York Times.

Dambisa Moyo was the first Zambian author to break into the ranks of The New York Times bestseller list. Her book, Dead Aid: How the West was Lost explores the complex interactions between Africa and its well-intentioned, but often misguided western neighbors.  

Binwell Sinyangwe wrote his first novel, Quills of Desire, in 1993. His second novel, A Cowrie of Hope, eclipsed his first in popularity. His books explore the mutual existence of hardship, poverty, and hope among a resilient African people. He has also written short stories, poems, and articles for various publications. 

North of South: an African Journey recounts author Shiva Naipaul's travels throughout Zambia and explores the social and political themes he observed throughout his experiences. 

And The Eye of the Elephant by Mark and Cordelia Owens, the best-selling author of Where the Crawdads Sing and her husband, this book is about the two zoologists' experience in Zambia with elephant poachers and their encounters with Africa and its animals.

So grab a cup of tea, curl up in your favorite chair, and explore the land, the community, and the culture of Zambia—through the eyes of its very own.