Chinua Achebe, often regarded as the father of modern African literature, remains a towering figure in global literary history. His life and career were marked by groundbreaking achievements and surprising details that showcase his remarkable influence and contributions.
1. Achebe was born as Albert Chinụalụmọgụ Achebe on November 16, 1930, in Ogidi, Nigeria. His name means “May God fight on my behalf,” reflecting his Igbo heritage and Christian upbringing.
2. Achebe attended Government College Umuahia, a prestigious institution for Nigeria’s brightest students.
3. Achebe studied medicine initially at the University of Ibadan, before he switched to English literature after realising his passion for storytelling and writing.
4. His debut novel, Things Fall Apart (1958) was rejected by several publishers initially before it became a cornerstone of African literature. It has been translated into over 50 languages and has sold millions of copies worldwide.
5. Achebe criticised Western depictions of Africa, especially in works like Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness. He sought to present African perspectives through his writing.
6. His first three novels—Things Fall Apart, No Longer at Ease (1960), and Arrow of God (1964)—are collectively known as the African Trilogy. These works explore themes of tradition, colonialism, and societal change.
7. Achebe’s novel A Man of the People (1966) eerily predicted Nigeria’s first military coup, causing suspicion about his political connections.
8. During the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), Achebe supported Biafra’s independence and served as an ambassador for the cause.
9. In 1990, a car accident left Achebe paralysed from the waist down. He relocated to the United States and continued his academic and literary work.
10. Achebe taught at various prestigious institutions, including Bard College and the University of Massachusetts Amherst, leaving a legacy as a mentor to young writers.
11. Achebe also authored children’s books such as Chike and the River (1966), fostering a love for storytelling among young readers.
12. He received numerous accolades, including the Nigerian National Order of Merit, the Man Booker International Prize, and over 30 honorary degrees from universities worldwide.
13. Achebe married Christiana Chinwe Okoli in 1961. Together, they had four children, some of whom have continued to contribute to education and the arts.
14. As the editor of the Heinemann African Writers Series, Achebe helped spotlight African writers like Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o and Flora Nwapa, shaping the continent’s literary voice.
15. Achebe passed away on March 21, 2013, in Boston, Massachusetts. His works continue to inspire writers and readers worldwide, reaffirming the enduring relevance of his voice in literature.
