Chinua Achebe
Nigerian novelist and author of Things Fall Apart

Born
November 16th, 1930
94 years ago
Died
March 21st, 2013
12 years ago — 82 years old
Category
Artists & Creatives
Country
Nigeria
Links & References
A prominent Nigerian novelist, poet, and critic, contributed significantly to literature and cultural discourse. Achebe's debut novel, Things Fall Apart, published in 1958, became a seminal work in African literature, portraying the clash of traditional Igbo society with colonialism. Achieved prominence through a distinctive narrative style that combined oral traditions with Western literary techniques. Authored several other important works, including No Longer At Ease and Arrow of God, exploring themes of identity, culture, and post-colonialism. Served as a professor and was involved in numerous literary organizations, promoting African literature.
Authored Things Fall Apart
Wrote No Longer At Ease
Contributed to African literature
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