Ben Okri
Ben Okri is a Nigerian poet and novelist. He is considered one of the foremost African authors in the post-modern and post-colonial traditions. His best-known work, 'The Famished Road,' won the Booker Prize in 1991.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
-
1. The Famished Road
The novel centers around the life of an abiku, a spirit child, who resides in the bustling city of Lagos. Despite numerous attempts to return to the spiritual world, the boy is tethered to the physical realm through the love of his mother. As he navigates through the political unrest and poverty of post-colonial Nigeria, he experiences a series of surreal and mystical encounters, all while wrestling with the pull of the spirit world. The narrative is a blend of reality and the supernatural, providing a unique perspective on the struggles and complexities of human life.
The 1505th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
2. Astonishing the Gods
"Astonishing the Gods" is a mystical exploration of the intersection of the visible and invisible worlds. The protagonist is an invisible man who embarks on a spiritual journey, seeking knowledge and truth. Along his journey, he encounters various gods and mythical beings, each imparting wisdom and insights. The narrative is a blend of poetry, philosophy, and storytelling that challenges the reader's perception of reality, encouraging them to question the nature of existence and the power of imagination.
The 9701st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
3. In Arcadia
The novel explores the journey of a group of travelers who embark on a quest to find the mythical land of Arcadia, a place symbolizing utopia and perfect harmony. As they traverse through various landscapes and confront personal and philosophical challenges, the travelers engage in deep reflections on the nature of reality, art, and the human condition. The narrative weaves together themes of existentialism, the power of imagination, and the search for meaning in a world filled with uncertainty and change. Through lyrical prose and rich symbolism, the story invites readers to ponder the complexities of life and the pursuit of idealism.
-
4. Prayer For The Living
A mesmerizing collection of short stories that seamlessly blend the mystical with the mundane, exploring the profound and often surreal intersections of life, death, and the human spirit. Each tale is a vivid tapestry woven with rich imagery and philosophical depth, inviting readers to ponder the complexities of existence and the unseen forces that shape our world. Through a diverse cast of characters and settings, the narrative delves into themes of transformation, resilience, and the eternal quest for meaning, leaving a lingering sense of wonder and introspection.
Purchase from Bookshop.org -
5. The Freedom Artist
Set in a dystopian world where freedom is a distant memory, the narrative follows a young man named Karnak as he embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind the disappearance of his beloved, Amalantis. As he delves deeper into a society shrouded in lies and controlled by an oppressive regime, Karnak encounters a series of enigmatic characters who challenge his understanding of reality and the power of imagination. Through a blend of allegory and myth, the story explores themes of truth, liberation, and the transformative power of storytelling, ultimately questioning the very nature of freedom itself.
Purchase from Bookshop.org -
6. Songs Of Enchantment
Narrated by Azaro, an abiku spirit-child, this story follows a family’s struggle to endure in a tumultuous city where corrupt politics, street violence, and the temptations of wealth—embodied by the increasingly powerful Madame Koto—collide with a dazzling spirit world. Blending myth and reality, it moves through dreamlike visitations, election unrest, and intimate domestic moments to probe the costs of progress, the persistence of suffering, and the stubborn resilience of love and hope.
Purchase from Bookshop.org