Chimamanda Adichie Reveals What She Wants Her Legacy to Be

Celebrated Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has opened up about how she wants to be remembered, and it has little to do with fame or accolades.

In a recent interview with DW News, the award-winning novelist said she’s not particularly interested in building a legacy. Instead, she hopes to be remembered simply as “a person who loved fiercely.”

“I think it’s actually men who spend their time thinking about legacy. I don’t. I’m thinking about the next book I want to write,” she said candidly. 

Adichie reflected on how conversations around legacy often skew male, noting that many women, herself included, are more grounded in the present and future creative work.

“When we die, we don’t know what happens, so why should I care what my legacy is?” she asked.
“More personally, I want to be remembered as a person who loved the people she loved and the places she loved very fiercely.”

The Half of a Yellow Sun author has consistently been known for weaving love, identity, and courage into her work, both on the page and in her public life.