Acclaimed author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has revealed the poetry collection that helped her push through creative struggles while working on her latest novel, Dream Count.
In a recent Instagram video, Adichie credited Marilyn Nelson’s Faster Than Light with reigniting her inspiration during a difficult writing process.
“When I was working on my novel, I went through this period of just something close to despair when I just couldn’t write anymore,” Adichie shared. “And usually when that happens, I read poetry… to remind me of what language can do and hopefully to get my own words back.”
Marilyn Nelson’s Impact on Adichie’s Writing
Nelson’s Faster Than Light is a collection of poems, both new and previously published, that explores history, identity, and resilience.
Adichie expressed admiration for Nelson’s ability to blend history and humanity, particularly in poems about figures such as George Washington Carver, the Tuskegee Airmen, and Emmett Till.
“She writes about really serious historical issues with a kind of gentleness, which doesn’t take away from the power of it,” Adichie said. “She tells stories, and the stories really come alive in a way that is stunning.”
Adichie, known for her bestselling novels Americanah, Half of a Yellow Sun, and Purple Hibiscus, is one of the most influential voices in contemporary literature. Her latest work, Dream Count, was released on March 4, 2025, to critical acclaim.
Her revelation offers insight into how great writers find creative renewal, with poetry acting as both a source of solace and a reminder of the transformative power of language.
