“For me, there are three reasons for becoming a writer: the first is that, you have an overpowering urge to tell a story. The second; that you have information of a unique story waiting to come out… and third; which you learn in the process of becoming, is that you consider the whole project worth the considerable trouble—I have sometimes called it terms of imprisonment—you will have to endure to bring it to fruition.” —Prof. Chinua Achebe
Professor Chinua Achebe, when I first heard the breaking news on radio about your demise while travelling in trotro, (passenger car) I screamed so loud; out of obvious disbelief that got some curious passengers wanting to know what I heard through my earpiece to have made me disturb their peace. “I have just lost my father!” was my respond through clenched teeth. “Ohhh… sad to hear” and “please accept my sympathy” were the emotional consolations I got. Did I say my father? Yes! My father, I said! I guess I should have said ‘my grandfather.’
Well, I did not scream because I thought you were too young to answer the call of your Maker but rather too endowed to. I thought upcoming writers like me who have always had you as a role model still have a lot to learn from you before finally joining your ancestors. Many I heard say “An iroko tree has fallen in Nigeria” while others prefer to describe it as “global calamity.” I would want to compliment it by saying “A world literary legend has gone to rest.” Is there any high school graduate who has not read your book; at least, “Things Fall Apart” which has been adjudged one of the 50 most influential books in the world for the past 50 years; or heard of you before in Africa; if not the world?
An Africana Studies lecturer, who penned his first book at age 26 and now eight additional great novels and children’s books, over eight short stories, six great poems and numerous articles; known and read all over Africa, must earn that title: ‘renowned writer/novelist/essayist/ poet.’
A writer whose first book; “Things Fall Apart” written in 1958 which has been translated into over 50 languages, and have so far sold over twelve million copies; is definitely one of the ‘A’ list world’s bestselling writers. A bestselling author who has won numerous prestigious awards, honours and accolades all over the world; including ‘The Man Booker International Prize,’ ‘The Dorothy and Lillian Gish Prize for $300,000’ and the ‘Commonwealth Poetry Prize’ was really an award-winning writer.