BOOK REVIEW

Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Chimamanda’s excellent vocabulary and brilliance shine through in this novel in a way that will have a lasting impact on the reader well after finishing the book. She writes with such a conviction and uses the right tone, prose and witty descriptions that will have you laughing out loud.

What is the story about?

A young Nigerian woman, Ifemelu, immigrates to the United States to further her education. Throughout the novel, we dart in and out of Ifemelu’s life in Nigeria and in the United States. The book also delves into her love story with Obinze, her high school boyfriend that she left behind in Nigeria.

What I liked the most

The author has done a terrific job of portraying Ifemelu as an observant character who has a well-rounded view of the world. Ifemelu’s tribulations and victories are meticulously described in a way that will make the reader feel like they are right there with her as she settles into living in a different country.

The contrast of the two main characters experiences brings a healthy balance to the whole story. For example, whilst Ifemelu’s rich boyfriend in America helped her to secure a job after graduating, Obinze was living a rather harsh undocumented life in the UK.