Congolese literature is one of the richest in Africa, written on both banks of the Congo River. Here is a guide to Congolese books to read: novels from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and from the Republic of the Congo (Brazzaville), Congolese comic books and books for children. Some titles on this list are published by ISOLELE, the publisher of this site, and we say so clearly.
Congolese novels from the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Tram 83 by Fiston Mwanza Mujila (2014) takes place in a nightclub of a mining city and moves like a jazz improvisation. Congo Inc.: Bismarck’s Testament by In Koli Jean Bofane (2014) is a satire of Kinshasa and globalization. Dans le ventre du Congo by Blaise Ndala (2021) tells the story of a Congolese princess exhibited at the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair. Entre les eaux by V.Y. Mudimbe (1973) follows a priest torn between the Church and the revolution. Généalogie d’une banalité by Sinzo Aanza (2015) is set in Kinshasa.
Congolese novels from Congo-Brazzaville
Verre cassé (Broken Glass) by Alain Mabanckou (2005) is told in one long breath, without full stops, from a bar in a Congolese town. La Vie et demie by Sony Labou Tansi (1979) is a fable about dictatorship. Johnny chien méchant (Johnny Mad Dog) by Emmanuel Dongala (2002) looks at war through the eyes of child soldiers. Le Pleurer-rire by Henri Lopes (1982) is a satire of absolute power.
Congolese comic books
Madame Livingstone by Barly Baruti and Christophe Cassiau-Haurie (2014) is set in the Congo during the First World War. The comics of Papa Mfumu’Eto, sold in the streets of Kinshasa from 1990, are a classic of popular art. Simon Kimbangu by Serge Diantantu (2004) tells the life of the Congolese prophet. From ISOLELE: Zaiire: The Prince of Kongo, Book I, which reached the bestseller shelf of a bookstore in Nairobi, and Shango et Zaiire, available for pre-order.
Congolese books for children
For young readers who love adventure, Zaiire: The Prince of Kongo tells the story of a boy from Kinshasa who discovers that he is a prince and a hero. ISOLELE is also preparing new books for younger children, including Zattar & Dawidi, stories of wisdom between a father and his son.
How we chose these books
We chose books that are recognized and easy to find, and that show the variety of Congolese writing: classics and new voices, Kinshasa and Brazzaville, novels and comic books. ISOLELE titles appear because they are Congolese books too, and we tell you clearly when a book is ours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best Congolese novels?
Among the most celebrated: Tram 83 by Fiston Mwanza Mujila, Congo Inc. by In Koli Jean Bofane, Verre cassé by Alain Mabanckou, La Vie et demie by Sony Labou Tansi, Johnny chien méchant by Emmanuel Dongala and Le Pleurer-rire by Henri Lopes.
Who are the best-known Congolese writers?
From Kinshasa’s side of the river: V.Y. Mudimbe, In Koli Jean Bofane, Fiston Mwanza Mujila and Blaise Ndala. From Brazzaville: Alain Mabanckou, Sony Labou Tansi, Emmanuel Dongala and Henri Lopes.
Is there a Congolese comic book for children?
Yes. Zaiire: The Prince of Kongo, by HRM King Kufulula and ISOLELE, is a Congolese comic book for young readers, available in English and French.
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