Nigerian Author to Speak at Butler University

Chris Abani (pictured), will speak about his writing at 7:30 p.m. 9 April 2008 in the Reilly Room of Atherton Union at Butler University. Abani, from Nigeria, wrote his first novel at 16. Two years later he was imprisoned on the grounds that this work had served as a blueprint for the failed coup of General Vatsa. His experiences as a political prisoner and of civil war in his homeland under Abacha's rule are articulated in a highly personal and explicit way in his work and in his speaking. His prose includes Song For Night (2007), The Virgin of Flames (2007) and Becoming Abigail (2006). He is a professor at the University of California, Riverside. Abani's presentation is part of the Spring 2008 Vivian S. Delbrook Visiting Writers Series at Butler. All events are free and open to the public; no tickets are required. For more information, call 317:940-9861.