Chimamanda Comes To Town

I know she's a genius, but are you sure we're not over-celebrating her? 
What if she's capable of so much more than what we've seen from her so far?  (Just thinking).

Seun if you have ever read any of Chimamnda's novels and short stories you'll agree that she deserves every single accolade she has gotten. As a graduate of English and literature, i can attest to the fact that there is a huge dearth of literary talent in our generation and as such every talented writer out there deserves to be encouraged in order for that talent to be nurtured and groomed properly. I can assure you that if you read any of her books ( i recommend Purple Hibiscus and Half of a Yellow Sun), you'll understand that the so-called hype about her is for a very good reason. if you're still not impressed then more's the pity 'cuz it'll be clear that you obviously constitute the vast majority of Nigerians who are suffering from "intellectual illiteracy", no pun intended.

There is still a scarcity of good writers in Nigeria and we don't even have enough newspapers.

Remember that most of us were totally ignorant of Chimamanda until she was nominated for the Orange Prize and was already highlighted by the Western media.

Do we have to wait for the Western media to dictate to us how to celebrate our geniuses.

You just wait until Nairaland is highlighted on the CNN, BBC or Sky News, then you will see Nigerian newspapers and television channels giving you headlines.

There are so many unsung geniuses in Nigeria and we thank God for the Internet that has given us the endless opportunities to express ourselves without barriers.

Orikinla how was the reading? would have loved to attend but it was one crazy day for me. So what exactly did i miss?

She might benefit by targeting her stories at a lucrative market e.g. the WAEC recommended novel market.
You may be the best writer in the world, but you won't sell if you choose a topic that really excites people.

Ndipe--I get the feeling she writes primarily with a Western audience in mind. People who wouldn't mind (or even understand) how stereotypical it is to make the houseboy Efik/Ibibio etc. I haven't read "Nervous Conditions"--should I keep an eye out for it? What didn't you like about it?

Terracotta, about Nervous conditions, all what I can tell you is that novel has gained a significant merit in the Literary world. It was written by a Zimbabwean. I did not really care for the novel, at times, it was interesting, at times, it wasnt, but I was just ticked off by her allusion of comparing her uncle to , ( sorry I cant mention it, cos it is a blasphemy. Basically, the protagonist is a benefactor of a wealthy uncle who appears to take an interest in her education. One scholarly book wrote that the book is on its way in becoming an African classic. Maybe, so.

But if there is a novel that I would want you to keep an eye on, it would be "So Long a Letter" by Mariama Ba. That's the best novel that I have read!!! If you wan read grammar, read that novel, and you will be blown away by it.


@Orinkinla, The Arrow of God, I think deserves the same accolades as Things Fall Apart. The problem with Achebe is his inclusion of some pornographic words in his novel. At the same time, the novel appeared disjointed, but overall, I think it was a pretty good read.

I have read both Purple Hibiscus and Half of a Yellow Sun.In as much as i think that they are brilliant novels,i also think they ended quite poorly.It kind of gives me the impression that the author is a sadist!

Shagari,
I picked up a copy of Helen Oyeyemi's Icarus girl last Christmas at Nu metro.I couldnt get through 5 pages without sleeping off!Its the most boring book ever.I still havent finished it.If boring ever had a name,that one is it!

Not trying to stop you from buying it or anything. . .you know the whole one man's meat another's poison thing.I might not have liked it and you might read it and find it worth it but i just felt i should warn you.

Purple Hibiscus was nominated for the Booker prize and won numerous other awards, Half of a Yellow Sun has already been nominated for the British Book awards, they can't refill the shelves with her books soon enough at major books stores across the world, well, at least in the UK, and you're talking about the 'lucrative WAEC recommended novel market' What'u talkin 'bout dude, a bit narrow minded, don't you think?