A Single Nation: National History in Angolan Fiction, Independence to

A Single Nation: National History in Angolan Fiction, Independence to 2025, written by Stephen Henighan, provides a comprehensive narrative history of Angola's first fifty years of nationhood. This volume 1 historical study examines the intersection of political evolution and literary production, tracing how major modern prose writers shaped the national identity. The text explores complex themes of decolonization, the legacies of the slave trade, and the role of a syncretized bourgeoisie in building a modern African nation-state.

The book covers pivotal historical moments, from the 1975 declaration of independence during the Cold War to the devastating civil war between the MPLA and UNITA. Henighan analyzes how authors like Pepetela and José Eduardo Agualusa navigated challenges such as the oil boom and debates over racial identity. This history combines meticulous literary analysis with a broad view of how Angolan writing is received globally, offering a deep look at a distinctive African nation.