TS

Taiye Selasi

36quotes

Taiye Selasi


Full Name and Common Aliases


Taiye Selasi is a Ghanaian-born British novelist, journalist, and short story writer. She often goes by her pen name, Taye Selasi.

Birth and Death Dates


Born on August 3, 1975, in London, England, Taiye Selasi's birthdate is not followed by a death date as she is still alive.

Nationality and Profession(s)


Taiye Selasi is of Ghanaian descent but holds British nationality. Her profession encompasses writing, journalism, and creative storytelling.

Early Life and Background


Growing up in London to Ghanaian parents, Taiye Selasi's early life was deeply influenced by her multicultural heritage. She was raised in a family that valued literature and the arts. This background would later shape her perspective as an author. After completing her education in the UK, she moved to New York City for higher studies.

Major Accomplishments


Taiye Selasi rose to prominence with the publication of her debut novel, "Ghana Must Go," in 2013. The book received critical acclaim and attention from readers worldwide due to its unique blend of magical realism, family saga, and cultural exploration. Her writing often delves into themes of identity, community, and belonging.

Notable Works or Actions


"Ghana Must Go" is not only her debut novel but also the most notable work that catapulted her into literary fame. The book's success led to various accolades, including a spot on the longlist for the 2013 National Book Award in Fiction. Her writing has been featured in several publications and journals, contributing to her status as a significant voice in contemporary literature.

Impact and Legacy


Taiye Selasi's work has had a profound impact on readers and writers alike. Her exploration of identity, particularly within the African diaspora, offers a fresh perspective that resonates deeply with many. She is also recognized for her role in shaping the narrative around Africa and its people, moving away from stereotypes and towards more nuanced portrayals.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Taiye Selasi's contributions to literature are multifaceted. She not only crafts compelling stories but also advocates for diverse voices within the literary world. Her writing often prompts discussions on identity, culture, and belonging, making her a figure of interest in both literary circles and beyond.

In conclusion, Taiye Selasi is a writer whose work has left an indelible mark on contemporary literature. Through her writing, she continues to explore themes that resonate deeply with readers worldwide.

Quotes by Taiye Selasi

I’ve written fiction for as long as I can remember; it’s always been my preferred form of play.
"
I’ve written fiction for as long as I can remember; it’s always been my preferred form of play.
TS
When I’m working, I’m so narrowly focused on sound, language, rhythm, flow, that I rarely feel the emotion of the text. It’s only after – long after – I’ve finished a piece that I can experience in any way its emotional charge.
"
When I’m working, I’m so narrowly focused on sound, language, rhythm, flow, that I rarely feel the emotion of the text. It’s only after – long after – I’ve finished a piece that I can experience in any way its emotional charge.
TS
The big ideas always come in flashes. I don’t really craft stories that much. I genuinely don’t know where these people come from, and I’ve often wondered if writing is just a socially acceptable form of madness.
"
The big ideas always come in flashes. I don’t really craft stories that much. I genuinely don’t know where these people come from, and I’ve often wondered if writing is just a socially acceptable form of madness.
TS
When writing screenplays, it’s a matter of remembering to leave off the page anything and everything that doesn’t appear on the screen.
"
When writing screenplays, it’s a matter of remembering to leave off the page anything and everything that doesn’t appear on the screen.
TS
The summer I finished my first novel ‘Ghana Must Go,’ I drove across west Africa: from Accra to Lome to Cotonou to the deliciously named Ouagadougou.
"
The summer I finished my first novel ‘Ghana Must Go,’ I drove across west Africa: from Accra to Lome to Cotonou to the deliciously named Ouagadougou.
TS
I wouldn’t mind my book being called an African novel if it didn’t invite lazy readings.
"
I wouldn’t mind my book being called an African novel if it didn’t invite lazy readings.
TS
I’m not sure where I’m from! I was born in London. My father’s from Ghana but lives in Saudi Arabia. My mother’s Nigerian but lives in Ghana. I grew up in Boston.
"
I’m not sure where I’m from! I was born in London. My father’s from Ghana but lives in Saudi Arabia. My mother’s Nigerian but lives in Ghana. I grew up in Boston.
TS
I read recently that the problem with stereotypes isn’t that they are inaccurate, but that they’re incomplete. And this captures perfectly what I think about contemporary African literature. The problem isn’t that it’s inaccurate, it’s that it’s incomplete.
"
I read recently that the problem with stereotypes isn’t that they are inaccurate, but that they’re incomplete. And this captures perfectly what I think about contemporary African literature. The problem isn’t that it’s inaccurate, it’s that it’s incomplete.
TS
Being a twin, and being my sister’s twin, is such a defining part of my life that I wouldn’t know how to be who I am, including a writer, without that being somehow at the centre.
"
Being a twin, and being my sister’s twin, is such a defining part of my life that I wouldn’t know how to be who I am, including a writer, without that being somehow at the centre.
TS
I wouldn't mind my book being called an African novel if it didn't invite lazy readings.
"
I wouldn't mind my book being called an African novel if it didn't invite lazy readings.
TS
#book
Showing 1 to 10 of 36 results