Chinua Achebe’s memoir, “There Was a Country: A Personal History of Biafra” (2012), provides an in-depth and personal account of the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970), also referred to as the Biafran War. This historical period was marked by ethnic conflict, political strife, and humanitarian crises. Achebe, one of Africa’s most celebrated authors, offers readers a unique perspective on the war, particularly from the standpoint of the Igbo people, his ethnic group. The book serves as both a memoir of his experiences and a reflection on the broader consequences of the conflict.
Achebe begins by detailing his early life in the Eastern Region of Nigeria, where the Igbo people were the majority. At the onset of the war, Achebe had already established himself as a prominent novelist, known globally for works like Things Fall Apart. He was also a family man, living a relatively stable life. However, the outbreak of war drastically changed the course of his life, thrusting him and his family into the heart of the conflict and a constant struggle for survival. Published a year before his death, this memoir marks Achebe’s only work of nonfiction and his first public recounting of his personal experiences during the Nigerian Civil War. The memoir explores key themes such as sectarian violence, ethnic division, and the devastating effects of war on civilians. It has since become a landmark in modern African literature.
Achebe’s Early Life and Career
The memoir opens with Achebe’s early years in Nigeria. From a young age, Achebe was captivated by storytelling, a passion that would shape his life and career. Despite being offered a full scholarship to attend medical school, he chose instead to pursue the arts, a decision that led him to study at University College, Ibadan. During his time there, he refined his writing skills and committed himself to creating an authentic African literary voice that challenged colonial narratives. Achebe’s early works were deeply anti-colonial in nature, reflecting his strong advocacy for African independence from European rule.
Achebe also traces his upbringing, education, marriage, and fatherhood against the backdrop of Nigeria’s transition from British colonial rule to independence in 1960. While independence was a time of great hope for the nation, those hopes quickly faded, giving way to political instability, ethnic tensions, and widespread corruption. These tensions were particularly pronounced in the Eastern Region, home to the Igbo people, who experienced growing resentment from other ethnic groups across the country.
The Biafran War and Its Aftermath
In 1967, after enduring significant political and economic oppression, the Eastern Region declared itself an independent republic, known as Biafra. This declaration triggered a brutal three-year civil war between the Nigerian government and Biafra. The war was characterized by severe atrocities, including mass starvation and war crimes, resulting in a humanitarian crisis that captured the attention of the global community. Achebe’s writing career was interrupted by the conflict, as he and his family were forced to flee their home and seek safety. Despite the chaos, Achebe remained determined to document the war and its impact on his people.
The war ended in 1970 with Biafra’s surrender, leaving a legacy of destruction and loss that deeply affected Achebe and millions of others. His memoir captures the harrowing realities of the conflict, while also highlighting the resilience and courage of those who lived through it.
Chinua Achebe’s Legacy
Chinua Achebe is widely regarded as one of the most influential literary figures in modern African history. His debut novel, Things Fall Apart, remains the most widely-read African novel, introducing global audiences to African culture, traditions, and the complex impact of colonialism. Over the course of his career, Achebe authored four additional novels, several collections of short stories, children’s books, and poetry. His works consistently explored the political, social, and cultural effects of colonialism on African societies.
In addition to his writing, Achebe was an outspoken political activist. He was a staunch supporter of Biafra’s independence and used his global platform to advocate for the Igbo people. Achebe also held distinguished academic positions at Bard College and Brown University in the United States, where he further contributed to the understanding of African literature and history.
Conclusion
“There Was a Country” stands as a powerful testament to Achebe’s life, his experiences during the Nigerian Civil War, and his broader reflections on the legacies of colonialism and ethnic conflict in Nigeria. The memoir offers a rare, first-hand account of a defining moment in Nigerian history, while also providing insight into Achebe’s personal journey as a writer, thinker, and advocate for his people. Through this work, Achebe not only tells his own story but also gives voice to the countless others affected by the war, making it an essential read for anyone interested in African history, literature, or politics.
