Chinua Achebe dies at 82

Noted Nigerian author and pioneer of modern African literature Chinua Achebe passed away in Boston hospital on Thursday. He was 82.

The author of classic novel “Things Fall Apart” died of a prolonged illness.
Simon Winder, publishing director at Penguin described Chinua Achebe as an “utterly remarkable man”.

“Chinua Achebe is the greatest of African writers and we are all desolate to hear of his death,” he told The Guardian.

Achebe’s family released a statement saying, “one of the great literary voices of all time. He was also a beloved husband, father, uncle and grandfather, whose wisdom and courage are an inspiration to all who knew him.”

The father of African literature Achebe’s debut novel ‘Things Fall Apart’ was published in 1958. The book was sold over ten million copies worldwide and has been translated in 50 languages.

“What has consistently escaped most Nigerians in this entire travesty is the fact that mediocrity destroys the very fabric of a country as surely as a war — ushering in all sorts of banality, ineptitude, corruption and debauchery,” recently Achebe wrote about his beloved country.

Although Chinua Achebe is no more with us but the story of the Igbo warrior Okonkwo and the colonial era will continue to inspire millions of people around the world.

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