Portal:Nigeria/Selected biography/27

[Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (/ˌtʃɪməˈmɑːndə əŋˈɡoʊzi əˈdiːtʃi.eɪ/ ; born 15 September 1977) is a Nigerian author who is regarded as a central figure in postcolonial feminist literature. She is the author of the award-winning novels Purple Hibiscus (2003), Half of a Yellow Sun (2006) and Americanah (2013). Her other works include the book essays We Should All Be Feminists (2014); Dear Ijeawele, or A Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions (2017); a memoir tribute to her father, Notes on Grief (2021); and a children's book, Mama's Sleeping Scarf (2023).

Born in Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria, Adichie in her childhood was influenced by the aftermath of colonial rule and the Nigerian Civil War, which killed both of her grandfathers, and was the setting for her first novel and the subject of her second. She was educated at the University of Nigeria and moved to the United States at the age of nineteen to undertake higher education at Drexel University. She studied at three universities: Eastern Connecticut State University, Johns Hopkins University, and Yale University. She first published Decisions, a poetry collection, in 1997, and was followed by a play, For Love of Biafra, in 1998.

Adichie grew up bilingually and writes in English and Igbo. Citing Chinua Achebe and Buchi Emecheta as her inspiration, her style juxtaposes Western and African influences, particularly, the Igbo culture. Most of her works, including writings and speeches, often explore the themes of religion, immigration, gender, and feminism. Adichie also uses fashion as a medium to break down stereotypes and was recognised for her "Wear Nigerian Campaign" with a Shorty Award in 2018.