“Easily Nigeria’s most influential contemporary writer, the author of Half of A Yellow Sun and The Thing Around Your Neck reveals an impatience with modesty.” The new Nigerian youth magazine, Y!Naija recently did a Q&A session with her. See below.

Y!Naija: What is your favourite virtue?

Chimamanda Adichie: Honesty

Y!Naija: What are your favourite qualities in a man?

Chimamanda Adichie: Kindness

Y!Naija: What are your favourite qualities in a woman?

Chimamanda Adichie: Strength

Y!Naija: What would you call your main fault?

Chimamanda Adichie: My unforgiving nature

Y!Naija: What is your favourite occupation?

Chimamanda Adichie: Teaching

Y!Naija: What is your ultimate idea of happiness?

Chimamanda Adichie: To be surrounded by loved ones

Y!Naija: What do you consider the lowest depth of misery?

Chimamanda Adichie: To be (metaphysically) separated from loved ones

Y!Naija: If not yourself, what would you be?

Chimamanda Adichie: I have no idea as I only know what it feels like to be myself

Y!Naija: What’s your favourite flower?

Chimamanda Adichie: Tulips

Who are your favourite prose authors?

Chimamanda Adichie: Jamaica Kincaid, Chinua Achebe, William Styron, Ama Ata Aidoo

Y!Naija: Your heroes in real life?

Chimamanda Adichie: Professor James Nwoye Adichie

Y!Naija: What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

Chimamanda Adichie: Modesty

Y!Naija: What is your favourite vice?

Chimamanda Adichie: The idea of a favourite vice is odd; if I enjoy it then I do not consider it a vice. I own all my pleasures.

Y!Naija: What is your present state of mind?

Chimamanda Adichie: Contemplative

Y!Naija: How do you wish to die?

Chimamanda Adichie: Non-violently. Without knowing.

Y!Naija: What natural talent would you like to be gifted with?

Chimamanda Adichie: Long-distance running.

Y!Naija: Your favourite motto?

Chimamanda Adichie: (Silence)

Interview via Y!Naija, Image via Courant

Read about Y!Naija’s recent launch in Lagos on CP-Africa here

Visit Y!Naija online here

chimamanda adichie, interview with chimamanda adichie