Chinua Achebe

Chinua Achebe, born Albert Chinụalụmọgụ Achebe on November 16, 1930, was a Nigerian novelist, poet, professor, and critic who played a decisive role in the development of African literature. He is widely considered the father of modern African literature and is best known for his novel "Things Fall Apart" published in 1958. This seminal work is a cornerstone of African literature and is the most widely read book in modern African literature, having been translated into more than 50 languages. Achebe was raised in the Igbo town of Ogidi in southeastern Nigeria. Having been educated in English at the University of Ibadan, his writing took on the complex task of reflecting the tensions between traditional Igbo culture and the effects of Christian influences and colonialism. Influenced by the cultural and political history of his country, Achebe's writing was marked by a concern with the ethical consequences of social and political actions. His work often critiques the problems facing newly independent African states. Through his novels, which include "No Longer at Ease" (1960), "Arrow of God" (1964), "A Man of the People" (1966), and "Anthills of the Savannah" (1987), he sought to reshape the narrative of African experiences free from European biases and ideologies. Achebe is also known for the influential essay "An Image of Africa: Racism in Conrad's 'Heart of Darkness'" (1975), where he denounced Joseph Conrad as a "thoroughgoing racist." This essay became a critical discourse on racism and the African representation in Western literature. Apart from fiction, Achebe wrote political essays and involved himself in Nigerian politics. During the Nigerian Civil War, he supported the secessionist state of Biafra and worked as an ambassador for the government. Later, he taught at universities in Nigeria and the United States. Achebe's contributions to literature and his incisive social and political commentary earned him numerous awards and honors including the Man Booker International Prize in 2007. He passed away on March 21, 2013, leaving a legacy as a storyteller who challenged readers to reconsider their perceptions of Africa.