Chris Abani
Chris Abani was imprisoned by the Nigerian regime for his writings when he was a teenager. Over two decades later, he has transcended his adversity with creativity—by finding redemption and purpose in his art. His novel Graceland, winner of the 2005 PEN/Hemingway Award, is a moving portrait of a teenage Elvis impersonator, set against the colorful, postcolonial backdrop of one of the world’s largest cities, Lagos.
Becoming Abigail, his poetic novella about a fiercely independent Nigerian girl forced into prostitution by her family, was chosen as a New York Times Editor’s Pick for 2006. His latest novel, The Virgin of Flames, is set in a seedy area of Los Angeles and follows a haunted artist searching for his identity.
Abani currently lives in California and teaches creative writing at the University of California, Riverside. He is the recipient of the 2001 PEN USA Freedom-to-Write Award, the 2001 Prince Claus Award, and a 2003 Lannan Literary Fellowship.
Chris Abani elsewhere on Lannan.org
Kwame Dawes with Chris Abani, 2010, (Events)Chris Abani, 2004, (Residency)
Chris Abani, 2003, (Literary: Awards, Fellowships, and Grants)
Chris Abani Lannan Podcast Episodes
Kwame Dawes with Chris Abani, 29 September 2010 - AudioKwame Dawes, reading from his work, 29 September 2010 - Video
Kwame Dawes in conversation with Chris Abani, 29 September 2010 - Video
Chris Abani around the Web
The Web Site of Chris AbaniChris Abani profile on TED.com
Chris Abani : The Poetry Foundation
Additional Photos of 29 September 2010 Event on Flickr
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