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There are many books written by Ben Okri. A popular one book in the list is ‘The Famished Road’. This article looks into the life of Ben Okri and the books written by him.

Biography of Ben Okri

Ben Okri was born on March 15, 1959, to a Nigerian Igbo mother and an Urhobo father. The poet and novelist is renowned for his diverse literary oeuvre spanning novels, poetry, essays, and short stories. With a career marked by prolificacy and diversity, Okri’s work epitomizes emotional prose, clear portrait, and profound philosophical insights. Throughout his illustrious journey, he has navigated a glut of themes ranging from the intricacies of human existence to the socio-political complexities of Africa. Achieving international acclaim with his novel “The Famished Road,” recipient of the prestigious Booker Prize in 1991, Okri’s literary strength is shown through his seamless blend of magical realism and poignant social commentary, offering an immersive capture of Nigerian life. 

Beyond literary acclaim, Okri’s advocacy for social justice and unwavering dedication to the arts further define his legacy. Continuously inspiring readers worldwide, Ben Okri remains an undefeatable force in contemporary literature, spellbinding audiences with his profound storytelling and visionary imagination.

Discover the fascinating world of Ben Okri’s books, blending magical realism with social commentary. From the Booker Prize-winning “The Famished Road” to thought-provoking collections like “A Time for New Dreams,” Okri’s diverse literary portfolio offers profound insights into the human condition. Explore his novels, poetry, and essays, shedding light on themes of identity, spirituality, and the African experience. With emotional prose and visionary storytelling, Okri intrigues readers worldwide. Delve into his captivating narratives today and experience the transformative power of his words.

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Here are some of the best works: novels, Short stories, and poems of Ben Omokri:

 1. Flowers and Shadows (1980) – Okri’s debut novel, explores the themes of political upheaval and personal redemption in post-colonial Nigeria.

2. The Landscapes Within (1981) – A collection of poems reflecting on identity, spirituality, and the human condition.

3. Incidents at the Shrine (1986) – A collection of short stories set in Nigeria, offering a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people amidst social and political turmoil.

4. Stars of the New Curfew (1988) – Another collection of short stories blending magical realism with social commentary, set against the backdrop of political unrest in Nigeria.

5. The Famished Road (1991) – A novel that won the Booker Prize, following the journey of Azaro, a spirit child, through the mystical world of a Nigerian village.

6. Songs of Enchantment (1993) – A sequel to “The Famished Road,” continuing Azaro’s adventures and exploring themes of spirituality and personal transformation.

7. Astonishing the Gods (1995) – A novel set in a mythical African kingdom, exploring themes of power, oppression, and the transformative power of art.

8. Dangerous Love (1996) – A novel that follows the passionate love affair between two characters against the backdrop of a surreal and dreamlike Nigeria.

9. Infinite Riches (1998) – A novel set in a post-colonial African nation, exploring themes of identity, love, and artistic expression.

10. In Arcadia (2002) – A novel that weaves together multiple narratives across different historical periods, exploring the cyclical nature of human existence.

11. Starbook (2007) – A novel that blends myth, fantasy, and reality to explore the nature of storytelling and the human quest for meaning and fulfillment.

12. Tales of Freedom (2009) – A collection of essays and meditations reflecting on the concept of freedom and its significance in contemporary society.

13. The Mystery Feast: Thoughts on Storytelling (2015) – A book that explores the art of storytelling and its transformative power to shape our understanding of the world.

14. Birds of Heaven (1995) – A collection of poems exploring themes of nature, spirituality, and the human experience.

15. A Way of Being Free (1997) – A collection of essays and reflections on literature, politics, and the creative process.

16. Mental Fight (1999) – A collection of essays examining the political and social landscape of Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

17. Tales of Freedom (2009) – A collection of stories exploring the concept of freedom and its manifestations in society.

18. A Time for New Dreams (2011) – A collection of essays and reflections on art, politics, and the human condition.

19. Wild (2012) – A novel that delves into the interconnectedness of humanity and nature, exploring themes of environmentalism and spirituality.

20. The Age of Magic (2014) – A novel set in a surreal and dystopian world, exploring themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning.

21. The Magic Lamp: Dreams of Our Age (2018) – A collection of short stories exploring contemporary issues and the human experience in the modern world.

22. A Prayer for the Living (2019) – A novel set in a fictional African city, exploring themes of power, corruption, and redemption.

23. Every Leaf a Hallelujah (2020) – A collection of poems celebrating the beauty of the natural world and the human spirit.

24. A Time for New Dreams (2011) – A collection of essays that reflect on the transformative power of imagination, art, and storytelling in shaping our perceptions of the world.

25. The Freedom Artist (2019) – A dystopian novel that explores themes of censorship, oppression, and the quest for freedom in a society where truth and creativity are under threat.

26. The Magic Lamp: Dreams of Our Age (2018) – A collection of short stories that delve into the complexities of the human experience, touching on themes such as love, loss, hope, and resilience.

27. Rise Like Lions: Poetry for the Many (2020) – A collection of poems that celebrate the resilience and strength of ordinary people, inspired by the spirit of protest and social change.

28. A Time for New Dreams: Reimagining Education, Creativity, and the Future of Work (2021) – A collection of essays that examine the role of education, creativity, and innovation in shaping the future of society and work.

29. Prayers for the Living (2012) – A novel that follows the lives of various characters in a fictional African city, exploring themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world.

30. The Mystical and Political Dimension of Love (2017) – A collection of essays that explore the intersection of love, spirituality, and politics, offering profound insights into the nature of human relationships and social change.

Which is your best book written by Ben Okri?