Burning Grass - Paperback

by Cyprian Ekwensi (Author)

In this groundbreaking novella, Cyprian Ekwensi narrates the spectacular adventures of a nomadic family whose lives are turned upside down when their great leader is cursed by his rival to the throne.

When Chief Mai Sunsaye smells the smoke of burning grass, he knows it is time to go. Such is the nomadic life of the Fulani. Yet when Mai Sunsaye's rival, Ardo, curses him with wanderer's disease, it provokes in him a new-found sense of adventure, one which takes him further than he ever could have imagined...

Full of love, magic, and fateful happenings, Burning Grass is an unforgettable tale that has captured the imagination of children and adults alike.

'A joy to read; his glorious imagination captured ours.' Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
'One of the most prolific African writers of the twentieth century.' Charles R. Larson
'Magical occurrences, mysterious and seductive women, acts of phenomenal heroism, and swift-paced adventure.' Margaret Laurence

Author Biography

Cyprian Ekwensi was a novelist, short-story writer, and children's author born in 1921 in Niger State, Nigeria.

He was educated at Ibadan University College and at the Chelsea School of Pharmacy in London before undertaking a range of careers as a teacher, forester, pharmacist, broadcaster and film-maker.

His 1954 novel, People of the City, gained instant international acclaim and was one of the first Nigerian novels to be published in Britain. Since then, Ekwensi has been known as a pioneering icon of Nigerian literature.

In 1981, he helped form the Association of Nigerian Authors and, in 2001, was made a member of the Order of the Federal Republic for his outstanding contributions to the nation.

Ekwensi died in 2007.