Nigerian novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is “devastated” after one of her twin toddlers died at the age of 1, the Guardian reports.
A representative for the author said in a statement, “We’re deeply saddened to confirm the passing of one of Ms. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr. Ivara Esege’s twin boys, Nkanu Nnamdi, who passed on Wednesday. The family is devastated by this profound loss, and we request that their privacy be respected during this incredibly difficult time. We ask for your grace and prayers as they mourn in private.”
Adichie, a native of Enugu, Nigeria, made her literary debut in 1997 with the poetry collection Decisions. Her first novel, Purple Hibiscus, published in 2003, was a breakout hit, shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction and longlisted for the Booker Prize. Her other books include the novels Americanah and Dream Count and the essay We Should All Be Feminists.
In an interview with the Guardian last February, Adichie revealed that her twin sons had been born the previous year. “You’ve met my babies,” Adichie told reporter Charlotte Edwardes. “I want to protect my children. I’m OK with having them mentioned, but I don’t want the piece to become about them.”
Adichie’s representative said, “No further statements will be made, and we thank the public and the media for respecting their need for seclusion during this period of immense grief.”
Michael Schaub is a contributing writer.
