Chinua Achebe

Brief Biography - Chinua Achebe (1930 – 2013) Chinua Achebe was a world-renowned Nigerian novelist, essayist, and critic. He was born on 16 November 1930 in Ogidi, Nigeria. His family was Christian and well-educated. From childhood, Achebe was quiet, deeply thoughtful, and curious. In school, he was an excellent student, and English literature as well as African folktales left a strong impression on him. During his university years, he developed a greater interest in writing. Working at Radio Nigeria helped him understand the power of language, culture, and storytelling in a new way. Nigeria’s colonial history, political situation, and African social values became the foundation of his writings. Achebe’s literary career opened a new path in African literature. His first novel, Things Fall Apart, published in 1958, created a worldwide sensation. In this novel, he showed African social customs, traditions, family pride, and the destructive impact of European colonialism. His language was simple, powerful, and culturally rich. He portrayed themes such as identity, conflict, change, and the breaking of societies with realistic insight. His other notable novels include A Man of the People, Arrow of God, No Longer at Ease, and Anthills of the Savannah. Along with novels, he wrote short stories, essays, and critical works with equal skill. Chinua Achebe was a strong-willed writer with a quiet yet powerful voice. He believed that stories shape human identity and reveal historical truth. He portrayed the psychological wounds caused by colonialism in Africa with deep sympathy and powerful language. During political unrest, he spoke boldly and never hesitated to take a stand for justice. After an accident, he became physically disabled, yet he continued writing and speaking the truth. Achebe passed away on 21 March 2013. His death was a great loss to the literary world. His contribution to bringing African literature onto the world stage is unique. His works still teach readers the dignity of culture, the strength of identity, and the courage to stand against injustice. Chinua Achebe was a writer who captured the heart, history, and struggles of African people and turned them into an immortal literary universe.