Chimamanda Adichie reveals why she hasn’t written a novel yet

Celebrated Nigerian writer Chimamanda Adichie recently delved into the intricate intersection of motherhood and her prolific writing career during an exclusive interview on BBC’s Woman’s Hour.

In a candid conversation, Adichie opened up about the profound impact motherhood had on her creative pursuits. She expressed gratitude for the profound joy and fulfillment that motherhood brought while acknowledging the associated challenges and sacrifices.

“Becoming a mother is a glorious gift but it comes at a cost, and I think it’s important to acknowledge that, right?” Adichie candidly stated, addressing the multifaceted reality of balancing motherhood and career aspirations.

Reflecting on the impact on her writing journey, Chimamanda Adichie disclosed that she felt the experience of motherhood had influenced her productivity as an author. She expressed a belief that she might have authored two additional novels had she not welcomed her daughter into her life.

“There is something that we… and I will say ‘lose’. I felt that I could probably have written two novels had I not had my child,” Adichie admitted, highlighting the trade-off she felt between creative output and the joys of motherhood.

Chimamanda Adichie eloquently described the transformative nature of this phase, emphasizing that despite the creative challenges, it ushered in a new realm of experience and awareness that she hopes will enrich her future fiction endeavors.

“Even before I had her, when I was pregnant, I felt as though my brain had been wrapped in gauze. So, my brain didn’t work for a long time,” she shared, articulating the creative hindrances she encountered during that period.

However, despite the initial challenges and creative blocks, Adichie revealed that she is gradually navigating her way back to her fictional realm and is currently immersed in crafting a novel, signifying a renewed creative resurgence.