M. G. Vassanji Age, Wiki and Bio

M. G. Vassanji

Quick Info

ProfessionNovelist
NationalityKenyan
Date of Birth30/05/1950
Age74 years
BirthplaceNairobi, Kenya, East Africa

Bio/Wiki

Profession(s)
  • Novelist
  • Editor

Physical Stats & More

Height165 cm
Weight65 kg
Eye ColorDark Brown
Hair ColorNatural Black

Educational Qualification(s)

College/University
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology, United States
  • University of Pennsylvania, United States
Qualification(s)
  • Bachelors of Science (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
  • PhD in Nuclear Physics (University of Pennsylvania)

Personal Life

Date of Birth30/05/1950
BirthplaceNairobi, Kenya, East Africa
Zodiac signGemini

Relationships & More

Marital StatusMarried
Marriage Date14/07/1979

Family

SpouseNurjehan Aziz (Laboratory researcher)
Children
Son(s)
  • Kabir
  • Anil
Parents
FatherGulamhussein Vassanji (deceased)
MotherDaulatkhanu Nanji (deceased) (Owner of a clothing store)

Favourites

BeverageIndian masala tea
Writer(s)
  • Fyodor Dostoevsky
  • Conrad Aiken

Some Lesser Known Facts

Moyez G. Vassanji is known for novels like ‘The Gunny Sack,' 'The Book of Secrets,' 'The In-Between World of Vikram Lall,' and 'The Assassin’s Song.'
His works have been translated into languages like Arabic, French, German, Hindi, Japanese, Spanish, and Turkish.
Vassanji moved to the United States in 1970 for education and later to Canada in 1980.
In Canada, he worked as a research associate at the University of Toronto until 1989.
His interest in Indian history and literature stemmed from his upbringing and family anecdotes.
Vassanji's mother raised him and his siblings after his father's early passing.
In 1981, he founded the literary magazine ‘The Toronto South Asian Review’ with his wife.
His debut novel 'The Gunny Sack' was published in 1989, focusing on East Africa and South Asia.
Vassanji's short stories explore themes such as community and ethical dilemmas.
Notable novels include ‘The In-Between World of Vikram Lall’ and ‘The Book of Secrets.’
He received the Member of the Order of Canada honor in 2005.
Vassanji's works often draw from his multicultural background.
His memoir ‘A Place Within’ and biography of Mordecai Richler are notable works.
Vassanji identifies as African, Asian, and Canadian.
‘The Magic of Saida’ and ‘A Delhi Obsession’ are among his later works.
'And Home Was Kariakoo' and ‘What You Are’ showcase different facets of his writing.
During his PhD, Vassanji translated religious poetry and studied Indian philosophy.
He admired Alauddin Khilji and found inspiration in various literary works.