It's been a while since I've told you about some of my favorite authors, so I think it's time to bring it back. This one is no surprise to anyone who knows me, she is perhaps my favorite author of all time: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
Born: 1977
Nationality: Nigerian
Genre: Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction
Most Notable Works:
- Half of a Yellow Sun
- Americanah
Americanah was the first book by Adichie I read, which I picked up in 2015. I knew little about the author or the book, but I had heard it was good from more than one person. It wasn't good though - it was extraordinary.
I already considered myself a fairly open-minded person, but this brought discussions on race, home and humanity to a completely new level. I suddenly saw how much I didn't know about certain things, things I didn't even know I didn't know. And I felt connected. I got sucked into this world like I was walking next to the main character, like I was in her head, in her heart.
And this is what Adichie does best: people. I cannot bring myself to call them characters, because they feel like real people. They feel like flesh and blood and heart and hair. The are brought to life through the authors words, truly brought to life, which is not as common as one might think.
I could go on and on about Adichies writing, but I think it's a thing that needs to be experienced, so please do go pick up one of her books.
I also have to point out that I find Adichie, as a person, truly inspiring. I have never met her in person, but hearing her talk in interviews is remarkable. And her Ted-talk, We Should All Be Feminists, is my favorite talk of all time. I've shown it to everyone I know willing to listen and every time I feel about down about this topic, I watch it again and feel a sense of renewal.
All of these things combined make Adichie not only my favorite author, but one of my role models. And I will talk, shout and scream about her books until everyone has heard me or I'm dead.
Books I've Read:
Books I Want To Read:
Whatever she comes out with next!
The Book To Start With:
I started with Americanah and was blown away, and I wish that experience on everyone. However, if you're not quite up for that, as it is a bit of a longer book, I think it would be interesting to start with Purple Hibiscus and read her books in order of publication date, to see how she's grown.
Or you could start with any one of her books you think sound like your thing. As long as you read one, or all.
I will also want to include two videos: the first one is the Ted-talk, We Should All Be Feminists, which you should all watch, as well as an interview from the Royal Library of Denmark (this is perhaps best to watch after you've read Americanah) which is a fascinating discussion on all the topics in that book.
And even if you're not interested in reading her books, just hearing her talk is fascinating. She is the type of woman I would want all people,but especially women around the world to listen to. She is a true gift to us all.
Let me know if you've read any of her books, or if you plan to!
