Imbolo Mbue was born in 1981 in Limbe, Cameroon, and spent her formative years in the English-speaking region of the country. After her family sponsored her higher education studies in the United States, Mbue pursued her undergraduate degree at Rutgers University and later earned her M.A. from Columbia University in 2006.
Following her education, Mbue ventured into the corporate sector in New York City, where she eventually lost her job during the Great Recession. In 2014, she signed a million-dollar deal with Random House for her debut novel, “Behold the Dreamers,” which was published in 2016. The novel received widespread acclaim for its portrayal of the complexities of American society and immigration policies.
Mbue’s writing draws heavily from her own experiences as an immigrant, exploring themes of financial struggles, hopelessness, and the pursuit of the American Dream. Her debut novel, “Behold the Dreamers,” delves into the lives of immigrants in New York City and sheds light on the challenges they face in pursuit of a better life.
“Behold the Dreamers” earned Mbue the prestigious PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction and the Blue Metropolis Words to Change Award. The novel was also selected by Oprah Winfrey for her book club in 2017. Mbue’s work has been praised for its empathetic portrayal of immigrant experiences and its timely commentary on American society.
In 2014, Mbue became an American citizen and currently resides in New York City with her husband and children. She continues to be an influential voice in contemporary literature, addressing pressing issues such as immigration, class disparities, and the pursuit of the American Dream.
Imbolo Mbue’s journey from Cameroon to becoming a celebrated novelist in the United States exemplifies the immigrant experience and the power of storytelling to illuminate societal issues. Through her work, Mbue challenges readers to confront the complexities of the American Dream and to empathize with those striving to achieve it.
For more information about Imbolo Mbue and her work, visit her website: imbolombue.com