For two decades, Nigerian-born author Ben Okri has been one of world literature’s most beloved, spellbinding, and unclassifiable voices. The author of nine novels, including the 1991 Booker Prize–winning The Famished Road, two volumes of stories, and collections of poetry and essays, Okri has charted new ground in his approach to literature and mythology, metaphysics and history. Join Okri, in a rare U.S. appearance, for a discussion with critic Anderson Tepper about Okri’s transcendent work—from its searing depictions of war orphans to wondrous evocations of archetypal searchers and dreamers.
PEN BLOGS • Judith Richardson: Anderson Tepper introduced Ben Okri; Ben Okri introduced the empty chair. The empty chair takes on more power, the more PEN events one attends. [more]