From her writing career to her personal life, Chimamanda has stood out as an inspiration to both the younger generation of girls and the younger generation of African writers keen on telling the world their story through the voice of fiction.
Chimamanda Dropped Out of Medical School
Chimamanda was a brilliant and excellent student who always was in constant opposition to her teachers. On finishing secondary school, she applied to study medicine at the University of Nigeria Nnsuka. However, she dropped out at age 19 to attend Drexel University in Philadelphia. Chimamanda transferred to Eastern Connecticut State University, where she graduated with a bachelor’s in communication and political science.
Chimamanda Acquired Three Degrees
Though she dropped out of medical school, Chimamanda earned a bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees. She graduated from Eastern Connecticut University with a bachelor’s in communication and political science in 2001, a master’s degree in creative writing from Johns Hopkins University in 2003, and a master’s degree in African studies from Yale University in 2008.
Chimamanda Grew up in a House Owned by Chinua Achebe
As a young girl growing up, Chimamanda’s source of inspiration came from Chinua Achebe, a writer most famous for his masterpiece ‘Things Fall Apart.’ However, Chimamanda got inspired by Chinua Achebe and lived in a house owned by the writer.
She Hates The Term Mrs.
As an advocator of feminism and women’s rights, Chimamanda voiced her opinions on marriage and associated titles that came with it. Though married, Chimamanda stressed her disdain for the term Mrs. Chimamanda once described marriage as an institution that failed to cater to women and called it dangerous.
The ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’ Film Got Delayed by The Nigerian Government
The ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’ film got delayed by the Nigerian government, who were skeptical that the film might incite violence in the south-eastern part of Nigeria due to a growing number of south-easterners in support of the new Biafran movement.
Chimamanda Sources Inspiration From Ordinary Women
As a writer and a feminist, Chimamanda stressed a point about her inspiration being day-to-day women who fight to keep their families together. In her words, she said:
The real heroes are the nameless women in the market, who are holding their families together.
Chimamanda Lost Her Father In 2020
In 20202, sad news struck Chimamanda as she lost her father, who was 88 years old. James Nwoye Adichie died from complications of kidney disease, and in tribute, Chimamanda wrote ‘Notes of Grief.’
Chimamanda’s Mother Was a Trailblazer
Chimamanda came from a family of trailblazing women who made history in their careers. Her mother was the first female registrar of the University of Nigeria, Nnsuka, and her sister operated a medical practice in Coventry, Connecticut.
Chimamanda Idealized Fashion in Her Way
Coming from a family with a mother who was keenly interested in her daughters’ appearance, Chimamanda tried to conform to a subtle dressing style when she first entered the limelight. However, she dropped the subtleness and decided to push her fashion style to the forefront.
Chimamanda Was Once Agnostic
Growing up in a catholic family, Chimamanda’s views on feminism began conflicting with her faith. She once identified as agnostic, stating that religion was not a woman-friendly institution. However, Chimamanda returned to her catholic faith.
Chimamanda Has Six Honorary Degrees
As an outstanding writer and an advocator for feminism, Chimamanda got honored by many institutions. She received an honorary degree from Johns Hopkins University in 2016, and in 2017, she received honorary degrees from both The University of Edinburgh and Haverford College.
In 2018, Chimamanda was awarded Doctor of Humane Letters by Amherst College, and in 2019, she got awarded honoris causa by Universite de Fribourg. Finally, in 2019, Chimamanda got an honorary degree from Yale University.
Chimamanda Got Featured in Beyoncé’s Song Flawless
Chimamanda’s speech got added into Beyoncé’s 2013 song Flawless. Her speech titled ‘We Should All be Feminists’ talked about how society made women feel smaller. She defined a feminist as a person who believed in the social, political, and economic equality of sexes.
FAQs
What is Chimamanda Adichie known for?
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is known for her books that use the history of the Nigerian civil war to create stories that tell people the tales of war, pain, love, and happiness.
What type of books does Chimamanda usually write?
Chimamanda is known for writing historical fiction novels.
What does Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie read while writing novels?
According to Chimamanda, she reads poetry when writing about fiction.
Where did Chimamanda Adichie study?
Chimamanda began medical school at the University of Nigeria Nnsuka. However, she dropped out after a year to study at Drexel University. Chimamanda eventually transferred to East Connecticut State University, where she got her bachelor’s.
