Ben Okri

Quotes

• “In the beginning there was a river. The river became a road and the road branched out to the whole world. And because the road was once a river it was always hungry.”

• “One human life is deeper than the ocean. Strange fishes and sea-monsters and mighty plants live in the rock-bed of our spirits. The whole of human history is an undiscovered continent deep in our souls.”

• “To see the madness and yet walk a perfect silver line. ... That's what the true story-teller should be: a great guide, a clear mind, who can walk a silver line in hell or madness.”

• “Writing is a way of paying attention to life.”

• “Quiet people are the most dangerous.”

Books by Ben Okri in order

Books by Ben Okri in the order they were published, from Flowers and Shadows (1980) to Last Gift of the Master Artists (2022).

1. 1Flowers and ShadowsFlowers and Shadows1980
2. 2The Landscapes WithinThe Landscapes Within1981
3. 3Incidents at the ShrineIncidents at the Shrine1986
4. 4Stars of the New CurfewStars of the New Curfew1988
5. 5The Famished RoadThe Famished Road1991
6. 6An African ElegyAn African Elegy1992
7. 7Songs of EnchantmentSongs of Enchantment1993
8. 8Astonishing the GodsAstonishing the Gods1995
9. 9Birds of HeavenBirds of Heaven1995
10. 10Dangerous LoveDangerous Love1996
11. 11Way of Being FreeWay of Being Free1997
12. 12Mental FightMental Fight1999
13. 13Ac YolAc Yol2000
14. 14Die hungrige StraßeDie hungrige Straße2000
15. 15In ArcadiaIn Arcadia2002
16. 16Starbook: A Magical Tale of Love and RegenerationStarbook: A Magical Tale of Love and Regeneration2007
17. 17Infinite RichesInfinite Riches2009
18. 18A Time for New DreamsA Time for New Dreams2011
19. 19The Age of MagicThe Age of Magic2014
20. 20Freedom ArtistFreedom Artist2019
21. 21Prayer for the LivingPrayer for the Living2019
22. 22Every Leaf a HallelujahEvery Leaf a Hallelujah2022
23. 23Last Gift of the Master ArtistsLast Gift of the Master Artists2022
24. 24A Fire in My HeadA Fire in My Head