Acclaimed author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has praised veteran Kenyan novelist and playwright Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o, calling him “one of the most important writers working today”.
In a video message on Facebook, the Nigerian writer describes the books by the Kenyan author “that everyone kind of knew” when she was growing up.
“I loved the romance in Weep Not, Child and loved how politically astute it was …it brings to mind that expression from Horace that the role of literature is to instruct and delight and Weep Not, Child did exactly that for me,” she says.
“It was also a kind of awakening for me to an idea of Africa that was not just about Nigeria.”
The Nigerian author says she went on to read other works by Ngũgĩ, noting of the world-renowned author: “I think [he] is one of the most important writers working today.”
“I read his memoirs... I remember felling this sense of affection and admiration and respect, he has exhibited a remarkable level of moral courage.
“I feel quite proud to be part of this modern African literary tradition that has as one of its brightest stars and one of its guiding lights - the great Ngugi wa Thiong'o.”
