Ben Okri

Date of Birth: March 15, 1959

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Biography

Ben Okri is a Nigerian poet, novelist, and essayist who is widely considered one of the foremost African authors in the post-modern and post-colonial traditions. Born in Minna, Nigeria, Okri’s early life was spent in both Nigeria and England, offering him a unique perspective that would later influence his literary work. He is best known for his novel “The Famished Road,” which won the Booker Prize in 1991. Okri’s writing often blends African folklore, magical realism, and existential themes, creating a unique and compelling narrative style. Okri moved to London at a young age and later returned to Nigeria, where he attended the University of Ibadan. However, political turbulence forced him to leave Nigeria and return to London, where he completed his education at the University of Essex. His literary career began with poetry, but he gained international acclaim with his novels and essays. Okri has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including being made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to literature.

5 Interesting Facts about Ben Okri

1. Ben Okri won the prestigious Booker Prize in 1991 for his novel “The Famished Road.”

2. He was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2001 for his contributions to literature.

3. Okri’s works are often characterized by the incorporation of magical realism and African folklore.

4. He has served as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.

5. Okri’s first collection of poetry, “An African Elegy,” was published in 1992, further cementing his reputation as a versatile writer.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ben Okri

1. “Stories can conquer fear, you know. They can make the heart bigger.”

2. “The most authentic thing about us is our capacity to create, to overcome, to endure, to transform, to love, and to be greater than our suffering.”

3. “Reading is an act of civilization; it’s one of the greatest acts of civilization because it takes the free raw material of the mind and builds castles of possibilities.”

4. “To see clearly is poetry, prophecy, and religion all in one.”

5. “Our future is greater than our past.”