From the award-winning, bestselling author of We Should All Be Feminists and Half of a Yellow Sun—the story of two Nigerians making their way in the U.S. and the UK, raising universal questions of race, belonging, the overseas experience for the African diaspora, and the search for identity and a home.Ifemelu and Obinze are young and in love when they depart military-ruled Nigeria for the West. … military-ruled Nigeria for the West. Beautiful, self-assured Ifemelu heads for America, where despite her academic success, she is forced to grapple with what it means to be black for the first time. Quiet, thoughtful Obinze had hoped to join her, but with post-9/11 America closed to him, he instead plunges into a dangerous, undocumented life in London. Fifteen years later, they reunite in a newly democratic Nigeria, and reignite their passion—for each other and for their homeland.
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Americanah covers a lot of territory. It hops from a manicured quad at Princeton, to a Nigerian public servant’s apartment in Lagos, an African braiding salon in Trenton, an effete dinner party in Islington, and a grimy student rental in Philly, to name just a few of the stops.
I enjoyed Americanah because it brought to life the differences …
This was one of those compulsive, masterful novels that feels impossible to have been written by one single person. It’s rich and cutting and smart, and I loved Adichie’s sharp observations, paired perfectly with one of the clearest narrative voices I’ve read in a long time. It is a fitting book to read in this country now, and I ached at the …
No exaggerating: this was the best book I’ve read in YEARS! Amazing on so many levels. I often derive greater connection, meaning, and understanding from fiction than nonfiction, and this novel, with its relatable, flawed characters taking all-too-real journeys, struck every chord that I needed to hear.
As an immigrant, I derived a lot of …
Great story and characters. I’m not finished it yet but it’s the best book I’ve read in a while
So, so excellent. I am in a serious book hangover after finishing the book because I’m very attached to the characters. Adichie brings the worlds and characters to life so completely that a part of my brain truly believes they exist and continue living somewhere else.
I both wish I read it earlier and wish I hadn’t read it yet so I could read it …
this is a beautifully written epic journey. I learned so much and fell in love with the characters. It was heartbreaking and inspiring
Just read Americanah for book club and really enjoyed it! Very interesting perspective on race and culture in America.
Absolutely wonderful. Great characters. An amazing journey. As an immigrant, I so identified with this book. Loved it.
Some interesting characters and an interesting combination of two cultures and their differences. It was a compelling read. I wouldn’t call it a ‘page turner,’ but it kept me wanting to read.
A primer on both modern day Nigeria, and America…. We can both be better.
This is the story of Ifemelu and Obinze. They grew up in Nigeria and watched as some of their friends left and headed for the West. Ifemelu gets a chance to go to America to study and discovers what it is like to be black in America. Obinza hoped to follow her, but he isn’t able to and ends up in Britian and then back to Nigeria. 15 years …
Insightful look at life of a Nigerian immigrant in modern urban life. Also contrasts that like to living in Nigeria. Great characters and story
I found this book fascinating and frustrating in equal measure. While Adichie’s observations on race and culture are endlessly interesting and illuminating, I felt like the narrative suffered. I found the book too long and Obinze’s story too trite. And the love story? Not really believable on her side and not really part of the main story. I felt …
Great Book
I didn’t like or understand the political part of book.
This author is a wonderful writer… this is my daughter’s all time favorite book, and I finally agreed to read it. The kid has great taste! I enjoyed her writing as much as I enjoyed the plot itself. She made me believe in and really care about her characters. I’ll read all of her work from now on.
Delighted to discover this author.
Outstanding! Great writer. Learned a lot.
As a white woman, it opened my eyes to many of the systemic race inequalities that is so ingrained in the USA and how it isn’t even recognizable to average white people.
The characters are delightful, the story is engaging. I have not read her first book, but I will now!!
well written, made me question, made me sad