This is the Canon: Decolonise Your Bookshelves in 50 Books

Wednesday 10 November 2021

Joan Anim-Addo, Deirdre Osborne and Kadija Sesay to discuss decolonising your bookshelf!

 

Joan Anim-Addo, Deirdre Osborne and Kadija Sesay have curated a decolonised reading list that celebrates the wide and diverse experiences of people from around the world, of all backgrounds and all races. It disrupts the all-too-often white-dominated ‘required reading’ collections that have become the accepted norm and highlights powerful voices and cultural perspectives that demand a place on our shelves.

From literary giants such as Toni Morrison and Chinua Achebe to equally vital writers such as Caribbean novelist Earl Lovelace or Indigenous Australian author Alexis Wright, the novels recommended here are in turn haunting and lyrical; innovative and inspiring.

Join Sarah Ozo-Irabor, critic, literary activist producer and host of the Books & Rhymes with the authors to discuss why they chose the books they did – and maybe you have some suggestions of books they’ve left out!

More Listings MORE

Cambridge 3 October – 12 April 2026

Made in Ancient Egypt

From the gold mask of Tutankhamun to the bust of Nefertiti, ancient Egyptians produced objects that remain iconic…

Southwark Saturday 7 February – Saturday 11 April 2026

Deep Azure

Deep Azure is the UK premiere of Chadwick Boseman’s lyrical stage drama, presented in the intimate, candlelit surroundings…

Stratford-upon-Avon Tuesday 10 February – Saturday 28 March 2026

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

The Royal Shakespeare Company presents the world premiere of a bold new musical adapted from the best-selling memoir…

Leeds Wednesday 11 – Saturday 28 March 2026

Small Island

Andrea Levy’s Small Island comes to the stage in a powerful new adaptation by Helen Edmundson, directed by…

Leeds Wednesday 11 March – Saturday 28 March 2026

Small Island

 Following its massive success at the National Theatre, this epic adaptation of Andrea Levy’s Orange Prize-winning novel arrives…