Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie wins prize set up in memory of Harold Pinter
The prize is awarded to writers who take an ‘unflinching, unswerving’ look at the world.
Half Of A Yellow Sun author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has won this year’s PEN Pinter Prize.
The prize is awarded to writers in memory of playwright Harold Pinter, who take an “unflinching, unswerving” look at the world.
The Purple Hibiscus author said: “I admired Harold Pinter’s talent, his courage, his lucid dedication to telling his truth and I am honoured to be given an award in his name.”
The Nigerian-born writer will receive the award at a ceremony at the British Library in October, where she will deliver an address.
Chairman of the judges Maureen Freely said: “In this age of the privatised, marketised self, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is the exception who defies the rule. She refuses to be deterred or detained by the categories of others.
“Sophisticated beyond measure in her understanding of gender, race, and global inequality, she guides us through the revolving doors of identity politics, liberating us all.”
The prize was established in 2009 by the charity English PEN “which defends freedom of expression and promotes literature”.
It is awarded annually to a writer from Britain, Ireland or the Commonwealth.