A review by kutreen
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

funny informative inspiring reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This is the kind of book that makes me wish I have a highlighter in my hand, but I read it too voraciously to get up and go get one. I felt so close to Ifemelu by the end that finishing the book felt like moving away from a friend. I wish I could meet up with and talk to her! Adichie is so talented in developing believable characters who each have something to teach us. She packs so many interesting and important observations about Nigerians, Americans, immigration, race, as well as just people's funny and irritating quirks. I learned a lot and never felt lectured (as a white American), I was transfixed by and totally invested in Ifemelu's findings and journey. As a bonus, as someone who is a child of immigrants, I really appreciated Ifemelu's reflections on her cousin's experience as one. Even though I cannot understand the experience of being black in a nearly all-white school/town, I really resonated with his (and other side characters' that come and go at other points in the book) experience of feeling disconnected from his ancestral homeland. I appreciate that Adichie included this perspective.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings