The authors of two buzzy new novels, Homegoing and Welcome to Lagos, explore ancient and modern stories of west Africa

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In this week’s podcast we look at two novels which explore west Africa’s place in the world. Yaa Gyasi’s award-winning debut, Homegoing, follows three generations from the start of the slave trade on the 18th century Gold Coast to modern day America. She discusses the bitter legacy of slavery and the importance of reclaiming your own history. Chibundu Onuzo’s second novel trains a comic eye on the excesses of modern-day Lagos through the eyes of five fugitives who become unlikely housemates with a mission to redistribute the wealth of a corrupt society. She explains why humour is such an essential tool in the examination of her country’s ills.

Reading list:

Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi (Viking)

Welcome to Lagos by Chibundu Onuzu (Faber)