Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, a Nigerian born writer, has emerged as a prominent figure in the literary world. Recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential People by Time Magazine, Adichie’s powerful voice has given representation to African origin individuals residing in America and beyond. Through her explicit short stories, she sheds light on the Nigerian Civil war and the struggles faced by its people. Her books, which compile her poems and short stories, have become best sellers, resonating with readers worldwide. Adichie’s unwavering commitment to addressing important issues is evident in her four published works. Her impactful presence extends beyond the pages of her books, as she has delivered compelling talks and interviews, passionately expressing her views. Adichie’s remarkable contributions have been acknowledged with numerous awards and honorary degrees from esteemed universities. With a significant presence on social media, particularly Facebook, she continues to engage with a large following. Adichie’s name has become synonymous with literary excellence, leaving an indelible mark on the minds of her readers.
Quick Facts
- Age: 46 Years, 46 Year Old Females
- Family: Spouse/Ex-: Ivara Esege, father: James Nwoye Adichie, mother: Grace Ifeoma
- Occupation: Poet, Novelist
- Education: Johns Hopkins University, Yale University, Harvard University
- Awards:
- 2007 – Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction – Half of a Yellow Sun
- 2008 – MacArthur Fellowship – Fiction
- 2014 – National Book Critics Circle Award for Fiction – Americanah
- 2007 – Anisfield-Wolf Book Award – Half of a Yellow Sun
- 2007 – PEN/Open Book – Half of a Yellow Sun
Childhood & Early Life
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie was born on 15 September 1977 in Enugu, Nigeria. She grew up in the town of Nsukka as the fifth child in a family of six. Her father, James Nwoye Adichie, was a professor at the University of Nigeria, and her mother, Grace Ifeoma, was the first female registrar of the university. Adichie completed her secondary education at the university’s school, where she excelled academically.
Education
After completing her secondary education, Adichie initially enrolled at the University of Nigeria to study medicine and pharmacy. However, her writing skills came to light when she edited the university magazine called ‘Compass’. At the age of 19, she left Nigeria and went on to study communications and political science at Drexel University in Philadelphia, USA. She later transferred to Eastern Connecticut State University to be closer to her sister and completed her bachelor’s degree with distinction in 2001. Adichie continued her academic career with a Master’s degree in Creative Writing from Johns Hopkins University in 2003 and a Master of Arts degree in African Studies from Yale University in 2008.
Career
Adichie’s career as a writer began at a young age. At 20 years old, she published her collection of poems titled ‘Decisions’ in 1997. She then wrote a play called ‘For Love of Biafra’ in 1998, which focused on the Nigerian Civil War. Her success as a writer was confirmed when she was shortlisted for the ‘Caine Prize’ for African writing for her short story, ‘You in America’. This prompted her to write ‘That Harmattan Morning’, which was selected as a joint winner for the BBC Short Story Awards. She also received the O Henry Prize and the David T Wong International Short Story Prize for her story ‘The American Embassy’.
Adichie’s debut novel, ‘Purple Hibiscus’, was published in 2003 and won the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for Best First Book. Her next book, ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’, focused on the Nigerian Civil War and was adapted into a motion picture. Her third novel, ‘Americanah’, was selected as one of the 10 Best Books of 2013 by the New York Times. She has also released a compilation of short stories titled ‘The Thing Around Your Neck’ and a book titled ‘Dear Ijeawele’. Adichie has been recognized as one of the best writers under 40 and has been elected into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Major Works
Adichie’s major works include ‘Purple Hibiscus’ (2003), ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’ (2006), ‘The Thing Around Your Neck’ (2009), and ‘Americanah’ (2013). Her short stories, such as ‘You in America’, ‘That Harmattan Morning’, and ‘The American Embassy’, explore the lives of Africans living abroad and the discrimination they face.
Awards & Achievements
Adichie has received numerous awards for her literary work, including the O Henry Prize, the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize, and the National Book Critics Circle Award. Her books have been listed among the Ten Best Books by the New York Times and BBC. She has also been recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential People by Time Magazine in 2015.
Personal Life & Legacy
Adichie splits her time between Nigeria and the USA, where she works. She is married to a doctor and has a daughter. She conducts writing workshops in Nigeria to give back to her country.
Trivia
- Adichie’s ancestral home is in Abba, Nigeria.
- She lived in the house once occupied by the renowned Nigerian author, Chinua Achebe.
- Adichie considers herself a storyteller and a feminist writer.
- She is a supporter of LGBTQ rights and has campaigned for them in Nigeria.