Africa is not a country by Dipo Faloyin

From Follett

"A lively and diverse continent of fifty-four countries, over two thousand languages, and 1.4 billion people, Africa has long been painted with a broad brush in Western literature, media, and culture, flattening it into a monolith. In this book, . . . journalist Dipo Faloyin . . . counters the stereotypes and highlights the realities of Africa's communities and histories. Starting with the complex urban life of Lagos, the largest city on the continent, Faloyin then traces the history of modern Africa, revealing how arbitrary boundaries drawn by colonizers led to tribal and cultural clashes, before telling the story of democracy in 10 dictatorships. He unravels the perils and ubiquity of the 'white savior complex,' explores the rivalries at the heart of the African Cup of Nations tournament, and joins the heated debate over which West African country makes the best jollof rice. And with an eye towards the future promise and potential of the continent, he speaks with local activists, artists, and writers who are defining Africa on their own terms"--Provided by publisher.

From the Publisher

A Literary Hub Most Anticipated Book of 2022

An exuberant, opinionated, stereotype-busting portrait of contemporary Africa in all its splendid diversity, by one of its leading new writers.

Recommended by Mr. Collier, Librarian

"Considering how the USA regularly uses "Africa" as shorthand for safaris, military dictators, and generational poverty, it's not surprising that our mental image of the entire continent is one of elephants and lions roaming grasslands bordered by jungles filled with corrupt warlords and malnourished children. Faloyin gives us the real picture: a lively and diverse continent of fifty-four countries, over two thousand languages, six of the world's fastest growing economies, and Nollywood, Nigeria's prolific film industry. Faloyin's sense of humor tempers his essays on the dark history of colonization, looting, and political manipulation from outside the continent, but he doesn't dwell on history. He explores the rivalries at the heart of the African Cup of Nations, and joins the heated debate over which West African country makes the best jollof rice. With an eye towards the future he speaks with local activists, artists, and writers who now define Africa on their own terms."

"Appropriate for all ages, this book will interest readers who want to know more about the myriad cultural identities on the African continent from the perspective of a native writer who writes with a deep love for Nigeria, a respect for the rest of the continent, and a sense of humor that lightens what can, at times, be a heavy subject."