The content of Africa has inspired so many epic novels and travel books that the short story genre has often been overlooked.

Granta have decided that this omission needs to be addressed, and have released this collection of short stories written by African authors. They are set primarily in Africa, but there are other stories set in different parts of the globe.

As with any collection there are the good, the bad and the indifferent. Some are really well written, others less so, but they all deal with issues that affect the African people, from unwanted pregnancies, living in the West, superstition religion and even a piece of speculative fiction set in pre war Berlin.

Overall not a bad collection, and a good starting point for those wishing to discover the literature that Africa has to offer. ( )

Twenty nine short stories from various African authors, all with a style and a tale of their own. Some were written in English and others have been translated. Some look at contemporary life in Africa or as an emigrant; others look back to other times; male; female; life and death - there is a vast range of stories. I can say that they weren't all memorable to me but I am sure that there is something for everyone in this collection. ( )