Uzodinma Iweala is a prominent American author, who is also a medical doctor. He was born on November 5, 1982, in Washington D.C., United States, to Nigerian parents, making him of Nigerian descent but an American by birth. Iweala is well-known for his exceptional work in historical fiction, cultural fiction, and war genres. His novels have gained significant recognition for their unique storylines and compelling characters.\n \nIweala's debut novel, Beasts of No Nation, is particularly noteworthy. He began writing this novel as a part of his thesis in creative writing while studying at Harvard. The book tells the story of a child soldier in an unnamed African country and was released in 2005 to overwhelming critical acclaim. The novel's success led to its adaptation into an award-winning movie in 2015.
In addition to his work as a novelist, Iweala is also a medical doctor and has contributed significantly to the field of international development, particularly in health policy. He has published numerous short stories and essays, further cementing his reputation as a talented writer. Iweala's second book, Our Kind of People: Thoughts on HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, was released in Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and the United States in the summer of 2012. He currently resides in New York City and continues to work on various writing and medical projects.