How Did Reading Books by African Writers Affect Adichie? And Why Do Elephants Dream of Libraries?

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, one of the most influential contemporary African writers, has often spoken about the profound impact that reading books by African authors had on her life and career. Her journey as a reader and writer is deeply intertwined with the stories she encountered, particularly those written by African writers. This essay explores how these literary works shaped her identity, worldview, and creative voice, while also touching on the whimsical notion of elephants dreaming of libraries—a metaphor for the boundless possibilities of imagination and knowledge.

1. The Discovery of African Narratives

Adichie grew up in Nigeria, a country rich in oral and written storytelling traditions. However, like many African children of her generation, her early exposure to literature was dominated by Western authors. She recalls reading British and American books that, while engaging, did not reflect her reality. This changed when she discovered African writers such as Chinua Achebe, Buchi Emecheta, and Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o. These authors introduced her to stories that resonated with her own experiences, featuring characters who spoke like her, lived in settings she recognized, and grappled with issues relevant to her world.

For Adichie, this was a revelation. It allowed her to see herself and her culture represented in literature, something she had not realized was missing until she encountered it. This discovery was not just about representation; it was about validation. It affirmed that African stories were worthy of being told and celebrated.

2. The Power of Authentic Voices

Reading African writers helped Adichie understand the importance of authenticity in storytelling. Authors like Achebe, who wrote Things Fall Apart, demonstrated how African stories could be told without compromise or dilution for a Western audience. This lesson was crucial for Adichie as she began her own writing career. She learned that her voice, rooted in her Igbo heritage and Nigerian upbringing, was not only valid but essential.

This realization also influenced her approach to themes in her work. Adichie’s novels, such as Purple Hibiscus and Half of a Yellow Sun, tackle complex issues like colonialism, identity, and gender, all while staying true to the nuances of African experiences. Her ability to weave these themes into compelling narratives can be traced back to the influence of African writers who showed her how to balance storytelling with cultural and political commentary.

3. Challenging Stereotypes and Single Stories

Adichie has often spoken about the danger of a single story, a concept she popularized in her TED Talk. Reading African writers exposed her to the diversity of African experiences, countering the monolithic narratives often perpetuated by Western media and literature. Writers like Ama Ata Aidoo and Bessie Head presented stories that were rich, varied, and multifaceted, challenging stereotypes about Africa and its people.

This exposure shaped Adichie’s commitment to telling diverse stories. In her own work, she strives to present characters who defy easy categorization, reflecting the complexity of human experiences. Her short story collection, The Thing Around Your Neck, for example, explores the lives of Nigerians both at home and abroad, highlighting the intersections of culture, identity, and migration.

4. The Role of Language and Tradition

African writers also influenced Adichie’s relationship with language. Authors like Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, who advocates for writing in African languages, and Wole Soyinka, who masterfully blends English with African idioms, showed her the power of language as a tool for cultural preservation and resistance. Adichie’s writing often incorporates Igbo phrases and proverbs, grounding her stories in her cultural heritage while making them accessible to a global audience.

This interplay between tradition and modernity is a hallmark of Adichie’s work. She credits African writers for teaching her how to honor her roots while engaging with contemporary issues. This balance is evident in her novel Americanah, which explores themes of race, identity, and belonging through the lens of a Nigerian woman navigating life in the United States.

5. Inspiring a New Generation

Adichie’s engagement with African literature did not end with her own reading; it extended to her role as a mentor and advocate for emerging writers. She has often emphasized the importance of African writers telling their own stories, free from external pressures or expectations. Through her writing workshops and public speeches, she encourages young authors to draw inspiration from their own experiences and cultures, much like she did.

This commitment to nurturing new voices ensures that the legacy of African literature continues to grow. Adichie’s influence can be seen in the works of writers like Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀ and Chigozie Obioma, who, like her, are reshaping the global literary landscape with their unique perspectives.

6. Elephants Dreaming of Libraries: A Metaphor for Imagination

And why do elephants dream of libraries? Perhaps because, like Adichie, they understand the transformative power of stories. In the vast savannahs of imagination, books are the watering holes where ideas gather, where cultures intersect, and where new narratives are born. For Adichie, reading African writers was not just an act of consumption; it was an act of creation. It allowed her to dream of a world where African stories were not just heard but celebrated, where the voices of her people could echo across continents.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: How did Adichie’s reading habits influence her writing style?
A: Adichie’s exposure to African writers taught her the importance of authenticity and cultural nuance, which are evident in her richly detailed narratives and use of Igbo language and traditions.

Q: What role did African literature play in shaping Adichie’s views on identity?
A: African literature helped Adichie see the diversity and complexity of African experiences, challenging stereotypes and inspiring her to explore themes of identity, belonging, and cultural heritage in her work.

Q: How has Adichie contributed to the promotion of African literature?
A: Through her novels, essays, and public speeches, Adichie has championed the importance of African stories and encouraged a new generation of writers to tell their own stories.

Q: Why is the metaphor of elephants dreaming of libraries significant?
A: The metaphor highlights the boundless possibilities of imagination and knowledge, suggesting that stories, like libraries, are spaces where ideas can flourish and cultures can connect.