The New York Times recently released a list of the “100 Best Books of the 21st Century.” As is typical for the Times, the list quickly went viral and was widely debated and celebrated on social media. It misrepresents the 21st century, one of the most productive and diverse periods in the history of literature. The meteoric rise of African publishing is one of the most remarkable stories of the last 25 years. If you want to capture how the 21st century has reinvented what it means to read, write, and publish, go to African literature. The New York Times’ “Best of the Century” list is not a list; it is an act of cultural erasure.

Source: New York Times July 27, 2024 05:17 UTC