In an Instagram post, acclaimed Nigerian author Chimamanda Adichie shared her favourite books of 2023, offering her followers a glimpse into the literary treasures that captivated her throughout the year.
Adichie began her list with high praise for Ike Anya’s memoir, “Small By Small,” describing it as a “small miracle.” She expressed her admiration for doctors’ memoirs in general but singled out Anya’s work for the unique pleasure it provided on every page. The memoir seems to have left an indelible mark on Adichie, emphasising the power of personal narratives in literature.
The next title on Adichie’s list was by Alice McDermott, whose novel took readers on a poignant journey into the lives of American women in Vietnam. Adichie commended McDermott for her exquisite attention to detail, suggesting that the novel resonated with her due to its exploration of the human experience within the context of a complex historical setting.
Howard French’s “Born in Blackness” secured its place in Adichie’s top reads for 2023 as a “thorough and magnificent narrative history.” Adichie highlighted the book’s ability to both convince and surprise, signalling that French’s work offered a comprehensive exploration of history that left a lasting impression.
The final entry on Adichie’s list was Michael Cunningham’s contemporary novel, praised as the “best kind” by the renowned author. Adichie characterised Cunningham’s work as entertaining, observant, and psychologically acute, showcasing her appreciation for novels that navigate the complexities of the modern human experience.
