I'm sorry to see a TERF being promoted. I used to love Adichie’s prose, but no matter how well written, I just can't read from someone who is aiding the hatred of our trans sisters, brothers and non-binary niblings.
Just finished the book and I enjoyed it BUT that’s probably because (don’t shoot me) this is my first Adichie fiction book. I’ve spent last decade reading business books sorry! As a Jamaican who wants to learn more about African cultures (my DNA says 19% Nigerian, 19% Ghanian and 2% Guinean) I found it super insightful, all the tribes, languages and nuances.
The disconnection between Caribbean and African cultural knowledge is now closing and I thought this book held my hand beautifully through it.
Dream Count refers to Chias romanticising of her Body Count. I found her character frustrating but then I also thought, let this woman enjoy her life and wealth and live with romantic longing as if in a play.
I agree with all your points on Zikora, her section felt very thin and her relationship with her mother could have been explored much more.
Omelogor was my favourite and in her I saw myself. I could have read an entire novel of her character (who also feels closest who how I imagine Adichie as a person?)
Kadi was one of my favourites as I’m very fascinated by ancient cultures, and starting with her village life immediately changed the energy of the book. Her character was annoying in her compliance but I thought her section did a good job of showing WHY she was compliant, why her culture reinforced this. But also didn’t make excuses because her sister was so rebellious and defiant.
Now that you’ve said this is your least fave of her novels, which one should I read next? I’m going to Lagos at Easter!!
Just wanted to say how much I enjoy reading the perspectives of you both in this way: I'm about halfway in, and it is definitely going to be my least favourite of hers (it's a high bar though). I find any debate about artist views/artist bewilderingly fascinating. As someone deep in middle age, I can't begin to imagine only consuming art/content by (and for?) people I agree with 100% on every subject. It's sounds exhausting. And so reductive. Anyway, really enjoying this approach to discussing books, so thank you both.
Let us know your final verdict when you're done. Yeah that subject is a tricky one but where I land is that people can decide for themselves and it would be exhausting to police literature int his way
love this breakdown. Omelogor was also my fave. She reminds me of those rich Lagos aunties who I'm sure you'll encounter lol. Can't wait to see how your trip goes
And also, in what world is travel writing a real job if you pay for the travel yourself and then get published in some obscure online magazine?! Girl should just admit she's rich and lazy, no problem with that lifestyle if you can afford it, but to say she has a career is a bit bold.
I loved this book chat. It feels very much like the real readers talk (not book critics who just try to show off how smart they are). I agree on a lot of points. The ending is flat because there is no plot! None! Nothing whatsoever that would add tension and connect these 4 women. Kadi's story can't really be a plot because it's in Vikipedia. And to be honest I hate that she has taken a real life controversial event she knows nothing about and just wrote up a version of how she thinks the things went. These are real people, and I just think she has no right. That's unethical to me.
I'm so interested it felt unethical to you. I think it read as a homage and a validation of what she has gone through. Diallo's case was dismissed because she lied about something on her immigration form and I love that Adichie basically says, if a woman lied about one thing, has she lied about everything? I found that powerful
thank you :) so glad you're enjoying this. also glad you agree with us. so disappointing honestly. reading it, I didnt know about Kari's part, but once I did, it changed my relationship to the text for sure. I can only hope she got permission. added to that is that fact that Zikora's part was already a published short story and Chia felt like a contrived version of Ifemelu, this book just didnt feel new to me. which sucks
I couldn't resist reading this even though I haven't read the book yet, and I don't know how you have managed such a nuanced discussion without spoilers but I think you've done an excellent job and though it is disappointing to think this might not be as good a read as her other titles, you've still made me excited to dive in! x
Loved reading this! Just wanted to add to your comment about writers loving fashion: Adichie wrote a great piece in Elle about this, hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did!
I haven't read it yet! It's been so well received at the book club at work, so will get round to it eventually. Unfortunately, fiction is not my forté, although I tried last year to read more. I agree with Ochuko about her cultural impact. Chimamanda's writing has had a big influence on Nigeria, nigerian women and the discourse of feminism in Nigeria. She also paved the way for so many writers today. As for African female authors, hmmm here are some Nigerian ones I can think of Buchi Emecheta, Kehinde Fadipe, and maybe Yomi Adegoke and Bolu Babola who are British Nigerian and the only non Nigerian I can think of is Nawal El Saadawi. And there are more obviously but...
Chimamanda was one of my favorite authors, I considered Americanah a book of my life as well. One of the few I reread! I don't plan to read this one because I am disappointed in her views (pls just apologize!) but I really appreciated this thoughtful conversation. I think the Atlantic review mentioned it mostly being about terrible men as well.
Also seconding the author recs from Mena! THE LIST in particular would be so fascinating to see y'all discuss. I also love Ama Aidoo whose Ghanaian and a bit of an OG. And for a modern one NEARLY ALL THE MEN IN LAGOS ARE MAD is mostly fun short stories
Adiche is on Trevor Noah’s podcast ‘What Now?’ She discusses quite a lot of the issues that you discuss here. Is is super interesting to read your take on the novel and to hear what Chimamanda has to say about it. Worth a listen!
I'm sorry to see a TERF being promoted. I used to love Adichie’s prose, but no matter how well written, I just can't read from someone who is aiding the hatred of our trans sisters, brothers and non-binary niblings.
Wholeheartedly agree with this!
agreed x1000000000
Just finished the book and I enjoyed it BUT that’s probably because (don’t shoot me) this is my first Adichie fiction book. I’ve spent last decade reading business books sorry! As a Jamaican who wants to learn more about African cultures (my DNA says 19% Nigerian, 19% Ghanian and 2% Guinean) I found it super insightful, all the tribes, languages and nuances.
The disconnection between Caribbean and African cultural knowledge is now closing and I thought this book held my hand beautifully through it.
Dream Count refers to Chias romanticising of her Body Count. I found her character frustrating but then I also thought, let this woman enjoy her life and wealth and live with romantic longing as if in a play.
I agree with all your points on Zikora, her section felt very thin and her relationship with her mother could have been explored much more.
Omelogor was my favourite and in her I saw myself. I could have read an entire novel of her character (who also feels closest who how I imagine Adichie as a person?)
Kadi was one of my favourites as I’m very fascinated by ancient cultures, and starting with her village life immediately changed the energy of the book. Her character was annoying in her compliance but I thought her section did a good job of showing WHY she was compliant, why her culture reinforced this. But also didn’t make excuses because her sister was so rebellious and defiant.
Now that you’ve said this is your least fave of her novels, which one should I read next? I’m going to Lagos at Easter!!
if you are going to Lagos at Easter, I'd say Half of a Yellow Sun :)
But I think Americanah is both of our faves. Happy to see you here Sharma!
Love this series and it’s encouraging me to read more fiction! Will get Half A Yellow Sun now x
and get Americanah! thats my fave
Just wanted to say how much I enjoy reading the perspectives of you both in this way: I'm about halfway in, and it is definitely going to be my least favourite of hers (it's a high bar though). I find any debate about artist views/artist bewilderingly fascinating. As someone deep in middle age, I can't begin to imagine only consuming art/content by (and for?) people I agree with 100% on every subject. It's sounds exhausting. And so reductive. Anyway, really enjoying this approach to discussing books, so thank you both.
Let us know your final verdict when you're done. Yeah that subject is a tricky one but where I land is that people can decide for themselves and it would be exhausting to police literature int his way
love this breakdown. Omelogor was also my fave. She reminds me of those rich Lagos aunties who I'm sure you'll encounter lol. Can't wait to see how your trip goes
Exciting! It's so hot here at the moment! Hopefully it will be a bit cooler when you come.
Love this series! Do you know what book you plan to do next so I can try and read in advance?
So glad you’re enjoying this :) we’re doing Fish Tales by Nettie Jones next !
And also, in what world is travel writing a real job if you pay for the travel yourself and then get published in some obscure online magazine?! Girl should just admit she's rich and lazy, no problem with that lifestyle if you can afford it, but to say she has a career is a bit bold.
girl, its giving very much nepo baby energy. she is bold indeed!
Slides in nerdily to point out its plain old wealth not nepotism, bc her parents don’t work in travel or journalism
You’re a nerd! But yes point taken
I loved this book chat. It feels very much like the real readers talk (not book critics who just try to show off how smart they are). I agree on a lot of points. The ending is flat because there is no plot! None! Nothing whatsoever that would add tension and connect these 4 women. Kadi's story can't really be a plot because it's in Vikipedia. And to be honest I hate that she has taken a real life controversial event she knows nothing about and just wrote up a version of how she thinks the things went. These are real people, and I just think she has no right. That's unethical to me.
I'm so interested it felt unethical to you. I think it read as a homage and a validation of what she has gone through. Diallo's case was dismissed because she lied about something on her immigration form and I love that Adichie basically says, if a woman lied about one thing, has she lied about everything? I found that powerful
thank you :) so glad you're enjoying this. also glad you agree with us. so disappointing honestly. reading it, I didnt know about Kari's part, but once I did, it changed my relationship to the text for sure. I can only hope she got permission. added to that is that fact that Zikora's part was already a published short story and Chia felt like a contrived version of Ifemelu, this book just didnt feel new to me. which sucks
I couldn't resist reading this even though I haven't read the book yet, and I don't know how you have managed such a nuanced discussion without spoilers but I think you've done an excellent job and though it is disappointing to think this might not be as good a read as her other titles, you've still made me excited to dive in! x
we try our best ;) Glad it resonated with you. I think you should read it if you want to though. Loads of people have really enjoyed it
This is so great!
thanks for reading!
Loved reading this! Just wanted to add to your comment about writers loving fashion: Adichie wrote a great piece in Elle about this, hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did!
https://www.elle.com/fashion/personal-style/a12670/personal-essay-on-style-by-chimamanda-ngozi-adichie/
wow you really dug thus up from the archives. thank you! id didn't know about her fashion thing until Pandora mentioned it, but I love that about her
Great to read your perspectives - love Adichie and this is on my TR list so will be interested to see whether I enjoy it as much as her other books...
you really might! most of the reviews are seeing are positive tbh so I might be in the minority
I’m about one quarter in. Not sure yet.
let us know your final verdict :)
TIL there are more ethnicities in Nigerian than Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa
You’re welcome ;) there’s so many but those are the three major ones!
Bookmarking this as I haven't read it yet. Great series ladies! <3
lest chat once you read the book. and read it soon!
Love this series!
we love to hear it :)
I haven't read it yet! It's been so well received at the book club at work, so will get round to it eventually. Unfortunately, fiction is not my forté, although I tried last year to read more. I agree with Ochuko about her cultural impact. Chimamanda's writing has had a big influence on Nigeria, nigerian women and the discourse of feminism in Nigeria. She also paved the way for so many writers today. As for African female authors, hmmm here are some Nigerian ones I can think of Buchi Emecheta, Kehinde Fadipe, and maybe Yomi Adegoke and Bolu Babola who are British Nigerian and the only non Nigerian I can think of is Nawal El Saadawi. And there are more obviously but...
Chimamanda was one of my favorite authors, I considered Americanah a book of my life as well. One of the few I reread! I don't plan to read this one because I am disappointed in her views (pls just apologize!) but I really appreciated this thoughtful conversation. I think the Atlantic review mentioned it mostly being about terrible men as well.
Also seconding the author recs from Mena! THE LIST in particular would be so fascinating to see y'all discuss. I also love Ama Aidoo whose Ghanaian and a bit of an OG. And for a modern one NEARLY ALL THE MEN IN LAGOS ARE MAD is mostly fun short stories
Adiche is on Trevor Noah’s podcast ‘What Now?’ She discusses quite a lot of the issues that you discuss here. Is is super interesting to read your take on the novel and to hear what Chimamanda has to say about it. Worth a listen!
Oooh thanks for this rec!