 First US edition | |
| Author | Chinua Achebe |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Heinemann(UK) John Day (US) |
Publication date | 1966 |
| Publication place | United States |
| Media type | Print (hardback) |
| Pages | 167 |
| Preceded by | Arrow of God |
| Followed by | Anthills of the Savannah |
A Man of the People is a novel by Nigerian writer Chinua Achebe. Written as a satirical piece, "A Man of the People" follows the story told by Odili, a young and educated narrator, about his conflict with Chief Nanga, his former teacher who enters a career in politics in an unnamed fictional 20th-century African country. Odili represents the changing younger generation, while Nanga represents the traditional West African customs inspired by Achebe's native Nigeria. The book ends with a military coup, similar to the real-life coup organized by Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu, Major Adewale Ademoyega, Major Emmanuel Ifeajuna, Captain Chris Anuforo, Major Donatus Okafor, and Major Humphrey Chukwuka.