I loved this! I was worried when I started - each chapter starts with a tale from a different country - sometimes several variations of the same tale - and then an analysis of it; and the first one was a long excerpt of epic poetry from Egypt, very lyrical and everything I dislike... If you are like me, don't let this put you off: the other tales are in prose and are so enchanting, wise, funny, clever, sad and varied, they were a joy to read.

After each selection of tales, Helen Nde offers a history of the versions of the tales and their regional variations; background on how the tale came to be known, which is often through colonizers and missionary work, but not always and local African authors, leaders and storytellers feature abundantly in the collection. Then she analyses the themes of the tales and puts them into an historical context, which was really interesting and well-written.

I loved reading this - I had a large collection of books, as a child, with tales from around the world and it is great to read folk tales again and to see how many themes have been covered, one way or another, in different places at different times. I loved the stories of the clever Hedgehog and the Viper, the enslaved young girl who wishes for her masters to fart from their mouths every time they call her name, the magic horses, the ants and their war with the termites...

Really recommend this book.

The Watkins Book of African Folklore by Helen Nde is an engaging and thoroughly researched collection of African myths, legends, and folktales, offering readers a captivating journey through the diverse cultures of Africa. With 50 tales spanning the continent from Egypt to South Africa, Nde skillfully combines vivid storytelling with insightful commentary, offering both a rich narrative experience and academic context.

The book is organized into sections that explore not only the tales themselves but also the historical and geographical context in which they originate. This dual approach provides readers with a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of each story, making it both entertaining and educational. Nde’s expertise in African folklore is evident, and her ability to weave the mythological with the historical makes this collection an invaluable resource for anyone interested in African cultures.

Each story is carefully presented, with an analysis that highlights the meaning, symbolism, and roots of the tales. This aspect of the book sets it apart from others in the genre, providing a well-rounded and informative experience. Whether you're new to African folklore or a long-time enthusiast, this book will undoubtedly expand your knowledge and appreciation of these timeless tales.

The Watkins Book of African Folklore is a perfect addition to any reader's collection, offering a blend of entertainment, culture, and history. It's a must-read for those interested in diverse storytelling traditions and the rich heritage of Africa.

My review copy was all reference lists and index and literally nothing else which was really confusing!

A fantastic little book with lots of tales to explore. The tales are split into 3 sections, and each story has a section after it looking into where in academia we first find these stories, the source and a look into some of the meaning and context behind the story.

Explore the diverse cultures of Africa through 50 captivating myths, legends, and folktales, spanning the continent from Egypt to South Africa. Well-researched and vivid, this engaging and informative book provides historical and cultural context, illuminating the rich storytelling traditions of various African countries.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

I really enjoyed this and thought it was much more informative, well rounded and well written than other books on African folklore available. I really enjoyed the prose followed by the historical and geographical context and would definitely include this on a reading list if I needed something diverse and accessible on African folklore.

Reading about other places in the world's lore is very interesting. This is a good collection and I enjoyed it very much. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to review a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this
Lots of great folklore ones I’ve never heard before
I found this interesting and well written