- “A Bend in the River” by V.S. Naipaul – Set in an unnamed African country that resembles the Democratic Republic of Congo, the novel explores the impact of post-colonialism on the protagonist and his experiences in a town on the river.
- “Half of a Yellow Sun” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – Though mainly set in Nigeria, parts of the novel take place in Beira, Mozambique during the Biafran war. It delves into the lives of four characters and their experiences during the conflict.
- “The Book of Chameleons” by José Eduardo Agualusa – This magical realism novel is set in contemporary Angola, including parts of Centro and Beira. The story follows a narrator with a peculiar gift for creating and altering memories.
- “Sleepwalking Land” by Mia Couto – A poetic and haunting novel set in Mozambique during the civil war, it tells the story of an elderly man and a young boy as they journey through the country in search of safety and identity.
- “Blood River” by Tim Butcher – This non-fiction book chronicles the author’s journey through the Democratic Republic of Congo, which includes the town of Beira. It provides an immersive exploration of the region’s history and present-day challenges.
- “The Memory of Love” by Aminatta Forna – While primarily set in Sierra Leone, this novel also briefly touches on events in Beira during the civil war. It weaves together the lives of its characters, exploring themes of love, loss, and trauma.
- “Something Torn and New: An African Renaissance” by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o – This non-fiction book examines the challenges and possibilities for an African cultural revival after centuries of colonisation. It delves into the broader context of Africa, but Centro and Beira are mentioned.
- “The Last Flight of José Luis Balboa” by Gonzalo Barr – Set in a fictional mining town resembling Beira, this novel follows a group of destitute miners and their conflicted relationships, providing insights into the social and political realities of the region.
- “The Last Train to Zona Verde” by Paul Theroux – The author embarks on a solo journey through Angola and Mozambique, including Centro and Beira, and reflects on the changes he observes in the countries since his previous visits.
- “Nervous Conditions” by Tsitsi Dangarembga – Although mainly set in Zimbabwe, this novel touches upon events in Beira during the liberation struggle against the Rhodesian government. It explores themes of gender, identity, and colonialism.
WANDERLIST: Ten famous novels set in Portugal’s Centro/Beiras:
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