Reviews

The Arrangements by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

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almond's review against another edition

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Plot- or character-driven? Character

5.0

January LaVoy narrated ❤️

circlesofflame's review against another edition

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3.0

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie wrote this story in response to the 2016 election; imagining a day in the life of Melania Trump. This is a really well observed and readable story. The 'characters' are fully realised and Adichie not only gives us a window into their lives and potential internal thoughts, using Mrs Dalloway as a model, but makes them relatable as well. Yet another solid piece by Adichie.

ine85's review

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5.0

She got the carachter so well that at times I forgot I was reading fiction!

jheinemann287's review

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4.0

I was thrilled to see that it was Chimamanda Adichie commissioned to write about the Trumps. While I don't think it's particularly useful to speculate on Melania's feelings, it is entertaining. That brilliant opening allusion to Mrs. Dalloway ("Melania decided she would order the flowers herself.") makes the piece for me.

Read it here: https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/03/books/review/melania-trump-in-chimamanda-ngozi-adichie-short-story.html

piper_sh's review

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3.0

Funny
3,5 stars

wildflowerfieldsforever's review against another edition

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3.0

I admittedly only listened to this audio version of Adichie's short story because it was the only audio available on my library's app by Adichie. I really appreciate Adichie as a writer and I was in the mood for something by her. I thought this was a very clever retelling of Virginia Woolf's Mrs. Dalloway, which I have also thoughtfully enjoyed. I feel that Adichie captures Melania, Ivanka, and Donald in a believable way, even though I fully realize this is a fictional and imaginary writing.

It's probably not necessary to say this, but this short story is not for most Trump supporters. I also think the reader would be at an advantage if they have read and appreciated Mrs. Dalloway before reading The Arrangements.