Helen Oyeyemi is a British novelist, born on December 10, 1984, in Nigeria, who specializes in writing general fiction. She is of Nigerian origin but moved to London with her family when she was only four years old. Oyeyemi's writing journey began while she was still in high school, studying for her A-levels, when she wrote her first novel, "The Icarus Girl." Her ability to create compelling narratives at such a young age showcased her innate talent as a writer.
After completing her high school education, Oyeyemi attended Corpus Christi College, Cambridge University, where she studied social and political sciences. Despite her focus on social sciences, her passion for writing remained strong, and during her time at Cambridge, she had two of her plays performed by students. These plays received critical acclaim, further cementing Oyeyemi's reputation as a promising writer.
Oyeyemi's literary career has been marked by numerous awards and accomplishments. Her novel "White is for Witching" won the 2010 Somerset Maugham Award, a prestigious honor given to British writers under the age of 35. Additionally, her novel "What is Not Yours is Not Yours" won a PEN Open Book Award. These accolades are a testament to Oyeyemi's storytelling abilities and her unique voice in contemporary literature.
Currently, Oyeyemi resides in Prague, Czech Republic, where she continues to write and expand her perfume wardrobe, which she has mentioned contains over 150 bottles. In 2013, she was included in the Granta Best of Young British Novelists list, further solidifying her position as one of the most exciting and talented writers of her generation. Her work transcends traditional genre boundaries and offers readers a fresh and imaginative perspective on the world.