Ben Okri is a celebrated poet and novelist whose work often draws from his experiences with the political violence and chaos he witnessed during the Nigerian civil war. His early fiction focuses on young men trying to make sense of the disintegration of their families and country. Okri is known for his profound explorations of the human psyche and the spiritual dimensions of life, particularly in his novels that delve into the complex reality of being a 'spirit child.' His writing is characterized by magical realism and a lyrical prose that draws readers into rich, atmospheric worlds.
This collection features 36 remarkable stories from prominent African writers, showcasing a diverse range of voices and styles over the past century. Curated by Ben Okri, a Booker Prize-winning Nigerian poet and novelist, the anthology highlights the richness of African literature and offers readers a profound exploration of the continent's narratives and themes.
Exploring the aftermath of heartbreak, the protagonist Viv organizes a unique party to commemorate the anniversary of her first husband's departure. Alongside her hesitant second husband Alan and friends Beatrice and Stephen, she aims to create a space for those wounded by love. The event's highlight is the appearance of Madame Sosostris, a legendary fortuneteller linked to T.S. Eliot, who may hold the key to healing their emotional scars. Set in a mystical French wood, the gathering promises both disguise and revelation.
The collection showcases a powerful exploration of Africa's complexities, offering vibrant and nuanced portraits that challenge oversimplified narratives of suffering. Through evocative language, the poems celebrate the traditions and resilience of African people, presenting a tapestry of strength and hope. Originally published in 1992, this debut work by the Booker Prize-winning author highlights the rich cultural landscape of the continent, inviting readers to engage with its deeper realities.
Exploring themes of racism, intolerance, and environmental destruction, this epic poem by Booker Prize-winning author Ben Okri reflects on the dualities of human progress and regret. It celebrates achievements in art, technology, and freedom while confronting the harsh realities of slavery and societal issues. Through a historical lens, Okri conveys a message of hope for the future, emphasizing our capacity to shape it. Originally published in 1999, this revised edition resonates powerfully with contemporary challenges, serving as an anthem for the twenty-first century.
'Both a work of lyrical imagination and a warning about the dangers we will face unless we take immediate action' New Yorker 'An artist's ardent plea for change' Kirkus This earth that we love is in grave danger because of us. Forests are becoming legends, rare as unicorns...If we continue to live as we do now, there will be no world left for us to fix, Booker Prize-winner Ben Okri argues in this evocative collection. He imagines messages - sent to us from beyond the end, from those who saw it coming - exhorting us to change now.Combining fiction, essay and poetry, Tiger Work displays Okri's classic blend of storytelling, fantasy and magic.
A novel about life in the time immediately before the arrival of the Atlantic slavers. Two lovers meet for the first time. One is the son of a king, struggling to find his place in the world, the other is the gifted daughter of a master craftsman from a famous but secretive tribe...
In this environmental fairytale made for our times, a little girl must go alone into the forest to find a special flower to cure her sick mother. Written to be read by adults and children, from the Booker Prize-winning author of The Famished Road.
Two actors, a thousand characters, and the story of how a kingdom is changed... An epic new adaptation of the 4,000-year-old Egyptian poem about the Warrior King, Sinuhe written by Booker Prize-winner Ben Okri that captures the essence of humanity and the complexities of immigration. This edition of Changing Destiny is published to coincide with the world premiere performance at London's Young Vic Theatre, directed by Young Vic Artistic Director Kwame Kwei-Armah. Ben Okri is a poet, novelist, essayist, short story writer, anthologist, aphorist, and playwright. He has also written film scripts. His works have won numerous national and international prizes, including the Booker Prize for Fiction. He has also received many honorary doctorates for his contribution to Literature, and his novel, Astonishing the Gods, was selected as one of the BBC's '100 Novels That Shaped Our World' Recently, his Grenfell poem, on Channel Four's YouTube page, has received more than 6 million views.
An epic poem touching on issues of racism, intolerance and environmental destructions.
A collection of new and recently completed poems by Ben Okri covering topics of the day, such as the refugee crisis, racism, Obama, the Grenfell Tower fire, and the Corona outbreak.