There's also 'Fiela's Child' which has elements of mystery and a touch of the fantastical set against an African backdrop. It weaves a tale of identity and family in a very engaging way. The landscape and cultural aspects add to the overall fantasy feel of the story.
Another one could be 'The River Between' which has some elements that can be considered as African fantasy. It delves into the relationship between different tribes, their beliefs, and there are parts where the natural elements seem to have a life of their own, creating a sort of fantastical atmosphere.
Another is 'The Jumping Monkey Hill' by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. It combines elements of fantasy with the African setting and complex human relationships. It shows how the African landscape can be a backdrop for extraordinary and thought - provoking stories. In this story, there are elements of magic realism that add to its allure.
One great African short story is 'The Voter' by Chinua Achebe. It delves into the political corruption and the power of the ballot in post - colonial Africa. Another is 'The Guest' by Albert Camus which, though written by a non - African but set in Algeria, shows the complex relationship between the colonizer and the colonized in African context. Also, 'An Ex - Magistrate' by Cyprian Ekwensi is a powerful short story that gives insights into the Nigerian society and its values.
One funny African short story is about Anansi the Spider. Anansi is always getting into tricky situations with his cleverness and greed. For example, he once tried to hoard all the wisdom in the world in a pot, but things didn't go as planned and his actions led to humorous consequences that teach lessons about sharing and humility.
One short African bedtime story is 'The Tortoise and the Hare in the African Savannah'. In this story, the hare, known for its speed, challenges the tortoise to a race. The tortoise, slow but steady, accepts. As they start the race, the hare is overconfident and takes naps along the way. The tortoise keeps moving forward steadily. In the end, the tortoise wins, teaching the lesson that slow and steady wins the race. This story is often told to children to encourage perseverance.
The story of 'The Elephant's Gift' is also nice. The elephant, being the largest and strongest animal, is often seen as proud. But in this story, the elephant realizes that his size doesn't mean he can't be kind. He gives a gift of water from a hidden spring to the other thirsty animals during a drought, teaching the importance of generosity.
Well, 'This Mournable Body' by Tsitsi Dangarembga is a significant African short story. It delves into the life of a young woman in Zimbabwe, dealing with issues such as poverty, gender, and the struggle for a better life. There's also 'The Beautiful Ones Are Not Yet Born' by Ayi Kwei Armah which reflects on post - independence Ghana and the moral decay within society.
One short African love story could be about a young Maasai warrior who falls in love with a girl from his tribe. They meet during a cattle herding session. Their love is tested by the traditions of their tribe, like the dowry requirements. But their strong feelings for each other help them to overcome these obstacles and they get married under the big African sky with the whole tribe celebrating.
One famous African short story is 'The Voter' by Chinua Achebe. It shows the political and social situation in Africa, how the concept of voting was influenced by various factors. Another is 'The Guest' by Albert Camus which, although the author is not African but it has a lot to do with the African context, exploring themes of colonialism and moral choices. Also, 'The Beautiful Ones Are Not Yet Born' by Ayi Kwei Armah is a significant short story that delves into post - colonial African society, with themes of corruption and the struggle for a better life.
One popular short African kids story is 'The Tortoise and the Hare' in African versions. In this story, the slow - moving tortoise challenges the over - confident hare to a race. Through his perseverance, the tortoise wins, teaching kids the value of determination. Another is 'Anansi the Spider' stories. Anansi is a cunning and clever spider character. His tales often involve outwitting other animals and getting into tricky situations, which are full of humor and lessons about intelligence.
Another good South African short story is 'The Prisoner Who Wore Glasses' by Bessie Head. It tells a story about a prison and the relationships among the inmates. The characters are well - developed and it gives an interesting look into the prison life within South Africa at that time.