The Sex Lives of African Women

By Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah

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A DOROTHY KOOMSON BOOK OF THE YEAR
AN ECONOMIST BOOK OF THE YEAR
A BRITTLE PAPER NOTABLE AFRICAN BOOK OF 2021

'Such a beautiful read, like chatting to a friend over a cuppa. This is the intimate, insightful read that I didn't know I needed. Just brilliant.' Dorothy Koomson, bestselling author

The Sex Lives of African Women uniquely amplifies individual women from across the African continent and its global diaspora, as they speak of their diverse experiences of sex, sexualities and relationships.

Many of the women who tell their stories in this collection recall the journeys they have travelled in order to own their own sexualities. They do this by grappling with experiences of child sexual abuse, resisting the religious edicts of their childhood, and by asserting their sexual power.

From finding queer community in Egypt to living a polyamorous life in Senegal to understanding the intersectionality of religion and pleasure in Cameroon to choosing to leave relationships that no longer serve them, these narratives are as individual and illuminating as the women who share them.

The Sex Lives of African Women provides a deep insight into women's quest for freedom, highlights the complex tapestry of African women's sexuality, and bestows upon all women inspirational examples to live a truly liberated life.

What readers are saying about The Sex Lives of African Women:

'Touching, joyful, defiant - and honest.' Economist, Books of the Year 2021

'Extraordinarily dynamic... A book like none you will have read before... Documents and legitimises the desires and sexuality of African women, beyond every conceivable stereotype... With sensitivity, this book has facilitated astonishing breaking of silences.' The Guardian

'Talking about sex is still taboo in most cultures and communities and these personal stories reveal a mind-blowing variety of sexualities, sex lives and relationships.' Bernadine Evaristo, The Times

'A beautiful, delicate and sometimes brutal exploration of African Womanhood and sexuality, honest and moving. A vital treasure.' Bolu Babalola, author of Love in Colour

'Nothing less than stunning. Essential read! I couldn't put it down.' Nicole Dennis-Benn, bestselling author of Patsy and Here Comes the Sun

'Every single story leaves you feeling deliciously empowered.' Lola Shoneyin, author of The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives

'A boundary-breaking, fascinating and deeply affirming set of accounts that emphasises the necessity of allowing African women to tell the stories of their sexuality on their own terms.' Otegha Uwagba, writer and speaker

'A captivating diasporic work of sensual geographies. Teeming with freedom and agency. Utterly triumphant.' Irenosen Okojie, author and playwright

'I just didn't want it to end. Each and every story is unique, powerful ... A global, ambitious collection that hums with the author's love for the subject and her interviewees.' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars

'Overflowing with candour, vulnerability, and juiciness... Captures the breadth and depth of the Diaspora with the intimacy of looking in a mirror. Marvellous!' Deesha Philyaw, author of The Secret Lives of Church Ladies

'Satiates my appetite for stories that take the interior lives of Black, African and Afro-descendant women seriously. It is simply unparalleled and right on time.' Charlene A. Carruthers, author of Unapologetic