The Year’s Best African Speculative Fiction 2023
Work detail
This is the third volume in this highly praised series (the first won the World Fantasy Award). Previous works have been praised for their eclectic mix of stories, offering a panorama of themes and styles. For instance, the 2021 edition included a story about a woman struggling with her identity and relationship in the face of a thought-recording device, a tale of a man fostering a rapidly evolving robot, and an adventurous narrative about a sentient robot dog engaging in space piracy. These stories not only explored advanced technologies and speculative scenarios but also delved deep into human emotions, relationships, and societal issues. Themes of personal struggles, such as dealing with depression, anxiety, and feelings of alienation, were also prominent. These were manifested through unique and powerful metaphors, like a woman whose detachable body parts symbolized her sense of disintegration and invisibility, or a story that portrayed the torment of self-contempt through the constant barrage of negative thoughts from imaginary entities. The anthology also ventured into mythic dimensions, echoing the voices and histories of entire cultures through concise yet profound storytelling. For example, flash fiction pieces in the collection reached the heights of epic poetry, encapsulating the journey of human life and cultural evolution. With such a backdrop, the 2023 volume continues this tradition of blending speculative elements with profound human experiences and cultural narratives. It's likely to feature stories that push the boundaries of imagination while staying grounded in the complexities of the human condition. Readers can anticipate a collection that entertains, provokes thought, and offers new perspectives on the future and the present. The anthology is not just a showcase of speculative fiction; it's a celebration of African storytelling, creativity, and the endless possibilities within the realm of speculative fiction.
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Contributors
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- Open Author
Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki
- Open Author
Kemi Ashing-Giwa
- Open Author
Chinaza Eziaghighalaby
- Open Author
Adelehin Ijasan
- Open Author
Amanda Ilozumba
- Open Author
Michelle Iruobe
- Open Author
Gabrielle Emem Harry
- Open Author
Chisom Umeh
- Open Author
Dennis Mugaa
- Open Author
Vuyokazi Ngemntu
- Open Author
Chukwu Nwaka
- Open Author
Nalo Hopkinson
- Open Author
Tananarive Due
- Open Author
P. Djèlí Clark
- Open Author
Tobias Buckell
- Open Author
Suzanne van Rooyen
- Open Author
Tendai Huchu
- Open Author
Wole Talabi
- Open Author
Makena Onjerika
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