Evolution of the Igbo Novel

Abstract

The emergence of the Igbo alphabets gave hope for a real literature in Igbo language. Contemporary Igbo writers may not have known the struggle that gave way for writings in Igbo language, thus the Igbo novel. This study looked at the evolution of Igbo novel and also considered the major phases the Igbo literature in general had undergone before the emergence of the Igbo novel. Igbo writers struggled with orthography controversy which at some point hindered publication of Igbo books, this was later resolved, and it gave way for major writings in Igbo language, thus the Igbo novel. For this study, accounts of various scholars in the field were collected as data and considered. It is discovered that the Igbo novel has been there even before literature in other languages became popular. It is believed that this research will bring to the fore the beauty of the Igbo novel and the determination of its writers to make its impact permanent.