In the world of literature, awards are given to writers whose works stand out. These awards are testaments to their creativity, originality, and forward-thinking mindset. By winning these awards, writers in the field of literature have engraved their names permanently in people's hearts, and on “huge rocks” where they can never be washed away. In so many countries, writers receive great recognition. Different countries around the world recognize and celebrate literary writers with unique awards. These awards vary from one country to another. For example, Nigeria has its own set of awards for “special” authors. The awards presented to writers in the United States may be different. Interestingly, there are prestigious awards that are recognized globally; National Book Award, Pulitzer Award, Commonwealth Short Story Prize, New Academy Prize award, and Nobel Prize, to mention a few. Of all these awards, the most prestigious award is the Nobel Prize.
Recently, I read a post on Instagram about the Nobel Prize and Nobel Laureates. I was surprised when I found out that the Nobel Prize is not only awarded to writers in the field of literature. I was surprised to learn that the award is also given to individuals in the science field whose works stand out. In the literature world, no one has ever won the Nobel Prize twice, however, this is not the case in other fields. Nobel Prize winners are called Nobel Laureates. Of all the Nobel Laureates, I'm familiar with only two; Wole Soyinka, a Nigerian poet, short story writer, playwright, and novelist, and Abdulrazak Gurnah, a Tanzanian-born British writer. I have not only read almost all their works but also analyzed them with my friends. Having thoroughly read most of their works, I am confident in my assertion that I possess a detailed knowledge of their writings. With my comprehensive understanding of their writings, I can boldly talk/write about them.
I am familiar with only two out of over 100 Nobel Laureates, so it'd be unjust to conclude that they are all overrated. As I mentioned earlier, Abdulrazak Gurnah and Wole Soyinka are Africans who have won the Nobel Prize. I don’t want to give off the impression that these writers are not talented, or their works are not up to Par. If anything, these people are “above-the-par writers. However, in my opinion, most of their works are not Nobel Prize products. I understand that we all have our unique perspectives, tastes, and opinions when it comes to books. For me, these two are just not it.
In Nigeria, Wole Soyinka is a famous and respected person. In Nigerian literature, his name is everywhere. In the hearts of professors, and on the lips of elementary and high school students. His works are studied by students all over the country. Interestingly, I have never been a fan of his writings. I have been hearing about him since I was a kid. My parents and siblings are book lovers, so they often talk about him. On the other hand, my mom adores his writings. The first time I read one of his books was when I was in high school. It was “The Interpreter”, which was published in 1965. And I didn't think it was so great.
I got fully into reading his books when I got to the university. I didn't just read his books on the surface level. I broke them down and analyzed them thoroughly. In my opinion, Wole Soyinka is a great writer. No doubt, he is one of the best writers in Nigeria, his home country. But, a Nobel Prize product? I don’t think so.
Moving on, I would choose Abdulrazak Gurnah over Wole Soyinka. Abdulrzak Gurnah is regarded as a SPECIAL AUTHOR. Special authors are writers who have contributed greatly to the literary canon. Their writings must've impacted the world greatly. I started reading Abdulrazak Gurnah this year and I have read 9 out of his 12 novels. Gurnah is a great writer. However, I’d give him 3 out of 5 stars in terms of being a Nobel Worthy author. If you are curious to read any of his books, I recommend you read “Memory of Departure”, his first-ever novel.
Chinua Achebe and Chimamanda Adichie are my unsung literary heroes. Chinua Achebe passed away on 21st March 2013. Although he died more than a decade ago, his works are still widely read every day by literature students and book lovers. In my opinion, Chinua Achebe is the god of Nigerian fiction, but surprisingly, he was never awarded the Nobel prize. My favorite book by Chinua Achebe is “Things Fall Apart.” I’m sure so many people here have read this book. Similarly, Chimamanda Adichie has never won the Nobel Prize. If anyone comes close to Chinua Achebe’s level, it's gotta be Chimamanda Adichie. I remember the time my friend asked me who my favorite author is between these two writers. Chinua Achebe takes the spot when it comes to my favorite author. However, there is something special about Chimamanda Adichie that I can’t seem to wrap my head around. She is special. A different kind of special.
In conclusion, Wole Soyinka and Abulrazak Gurnah are great writers who have contributed greatly to the literary canon. But in my opinion, they are “not so great” Nobel Prize products. My unsung literary heroes are Chinua Achebe and Chimamanda Adichie.
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Thanks for reading.
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