Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie emerges best winner of Women’s Prize for Fiction

By Modupe Shodeinde

Renowned Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s ‘Half a Yellow Sun’, has emerged as the best book to have won the Women’s Prize for Fiction.

Chimamanda was voted the best winner of this prize in its 25 years history, in a public vote from a list of 25 winners.

Her book ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’ won the prize in 2007. Other past winners include Zadie Smith, the late Andrea Levy, Lionel Shriver, Rose Tremain and Maggie O’Farrell.

The one-off award marks the anniversary of the prize, formerly known as the Orange Prize and the Bailey’s Prize.

Half of a Yellow Sun is set in Nigeria during the Biafran War, exploring the end of colonialism, ethnic allegiances, class, race and female empowerment. Published in 2006, it has received global acclaim.

As reported by BBC, Chimamanda said “I’m especially moved to be voted Winner of Winners because this is the prize that first brought a wide readership to my work – and has also introduced me to the work of many talented writers.”

She has received a silver edition of the prize’s annual statuette, known as the Bessie.

Author and playwright Kate Mosse, the founder and director of the UK-based prize, congratulated Adichie and said she was “thrilled” Half of a Yellow Sun had won.