By Megan Powell, Magali Prel and Monique Smith
It is true that classic literature is home to many of the greatest writers of our time. The genre spans the globe to encompass many prominent authors, and as autumn approaches, this feature spotlights a few of these incredible authors who were born in September. The choice was huge; however, we have decided to explore F. Scott Fitzgerald and celebrate the modern classic authors Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Stephen King. All have an impressive repertoire that should certainly influence your to-be-read list; with incredible stories to tell, their works span a vast range of genres, from horror stories and modernist depictions to tragedy and feminist approaches.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a Nigerian Author regarded as a central figure and powerhouse in postcolonial feminist literature whose works often “talk back” to the patriarchal, post-colonial and racial histories and realities present in the world today. Her well-known and award-winning titles include Half of a Yellow Sun, That Thing Around Your Neck, Purple Hibiscus and Americanah.
Adichie’s works examine cultural identity with Igbo identity typically at the forefront of works celebrating Igbo language and culture and African patriotism in general. Educated bilingually, Adiche consciously uses both Igbo and English in her works, mixing language and speech patterns so that her work speaks to a global audience; her writing is an intentional dialogue with the West, intent on reclaiming African dignity and humanity. Adichie’s works about the African diaspora consistently examine themes of belonging, adaptation, and discrimination. Often using the theme of immigration, she develops dialogue on how her characters’ perceptions and identities are changed by living abroad and encountering different cultural norms. She also often focuses on strong women, adding a gendered perspective to topics such as colonialism, religion, and power relationships.
Adichie is an author who has proven that she is not afraid to put the spotlight on aspects of the past and present that many would often prefer to ignore.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Francis Scott Fitzgerald, born on 24 September 1896, was an American Novelist best known for works such as The Great Gatsby or Tender is the Night.
Fitzgerald is also recognised as an essential figure in the literary movement of Modernism. Modernism emerged as a philosophical and artistic movement in the early 20th century with the aim to distance itself from traditional values and ideas after the atrocities seen during the First World War. The movement embraced the fragility of the human condition, and many modernist Authors made this the central theme of their novels. Modernism was a revolution of consciousness and rejected both consumerism and popular culture.
Fitzgerald’s most popular modernist work, The Great Gatsby, narrates the story of Nick Carraway and his encounter with a mysterious millionaire, Jay Gatsby, who is determined to reunite with his former lover, Daisy Buchanan. This novel is widely regarded as a pioneering text in Modernism due to its themes of disillusionment and its critique of modern society. The unreliable and fragmented narration of Nick Carraway questions the credibility of the narrator, reflecting the uncertainty and complexity of reality. The Great Gatsby breaks the traditional narrative form by emphasising inner consciousness, as the reader sees glimpses of Nick’s most intimate thoughts and perceptions.
Stephen King
Having written sixty-five novels and novellas, Stephen King’s impressive oeuvre is well-suited to the modern classic label, with many of his earlier works remaining a staple in canonical literature. King is highly deserving of classic recognition, with intriguing plots, captivating characters, and a handful of great film adaptations expanding his fiction further into the domain of popular culture.
King was born on 21 September 1947 in Portland, Maine. King found his penchant for writing early in life, having written for his school’s newspaper. As an activist and student at the University of Maine, a true bookish romance evolved as King met his now-wife Tabitha while they both worked in the university’s library. As they tried to establish their family, King relied on the income from selling short stories – many of which have since been compiled into various anthologies, notably 1978’s Night Shift – while searching for a teaching position. While working his first teaching job, he landed a book deal with Carrie in 1973, the success of which empowered King to leave his teaching career to become a full-time writer. Shortly after this, he published his second major novel, The Shining.
Other significant novels written by King include Cujo, The Stand, Misery, The Green Mile, and Pet Sematary. King continues to write and publish novels, his latest publication being Holly in 2023.
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