shieldmaiden21 's review for:

Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

4.75

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Reading this in March 2025 hurts, in light of the dewy eyed optimism of the Obama chapters. Even so, a thoughtful and nuanced look at the African experience in America, and the use of hair as medium for storytelling and understanding race is one I really related too, especially as someone who also punished their hair for similar less drastic reasons. I love how neither country is shown as a paradise or as a total hellscape and how Ifemelu proves she can be happy in both countries. A lot of really fun insights into Nigerian culture as I continue on my journey of understanding my own identity better.