Bessie Head books in order
South African born Botswanan writer and teacher
- Lived
- 1937–1986
- Country
- Botswana
- Books
- 12
Bessie Head published 4 novels, 3 novellas, 2 short story collections, 2 non-fiction books and 1 children's book, beginning with When Rain Clouds Gather (1969).
Updated September 2026
Where to start with Bessie Head
Start here
When Rain Clouds Gather
Bessie Head's most-read book.
Standalone novels in order
When Rain Clouds Gather (Mar 1969)
A Question of Power (1972)
A Bewitched Crossroad (1984)
When Rain Clouds Gather and Maru (2010)
Novellas in order
Maru (Jan 1971)
A Collector of Treasures (1977)
To Stir the Heart (Jun 2007), with Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o
Short story collections in order
Tales of Tenderness and Power (1989)
The Cardinals (1995)
Non-fiction in order
A Woman Alone (1990)
A Gesture of Belonging (1991)
Children's books in order
Serowe (1981)
About Bessie Head
Bessie Amelia Emery Head was a South African writer who, though born in South Africa, is usually considered Botswana's most influential writer. She wrote novels, short fiction and autobiographical works that are infused with spiritual questioning and reflection. Notable books by her include When Rain Clouds Gather (1968), Maru (1971) and A Question of Power (1973).
Biography from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Bessie Head FAQ
- How many books has Bessie Head written?
- Bessie Head published 4 novels, 3 novellas, 2 short story collections, 2 non-fiction books and 1 children's book that we list, as of September 2026.
- What order should I read Bessie Head's books in?
- Publication order is a safe choice; the full list is above. Most readers start with When Rain Clouds Gather.
- What is Bessie Head's last book?
- A Bewitched Crossroad (1984).
- What is Bessie Head's most famous book?
- When Rain Clouds Gather (1969) is Bessie Head's most widely read book.
Authors like Bessie Head
Sources: book lists and dates from Wikidata and Open Library, ratings from Open Library readers. Last updated September 2026.