Winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award for Fiction 2014.
Shortlisted for the 2014 Baileys Women's Prize for Fiction.
On the surface this is a love story, a coming-of-age novel and a tale of friendship. But Adichie did not allow her work to be just that. Most of the book, related in seven parts, is from the girl Ifemelu’s point of view but we do get significant bits from the boy Obinze’s side too. So across three countries, Nigeria, the USA and the UK, we get a strong portrait of racism, gender stereotyping, corruption and exploitation. Well written with a fascinating insight into part of the new, vibrant Nigeria, we are given a picture which will both fascinate and annoy readers. As students the two flee Nigertia. Ifemelu to a tough time in America until she eventually finds fame as a writer and Obinze to London and the change of British citizenship curtailed by deportation. Back in Nigeria he becomes wealthy. At the end of this fine book the two have their lives to sort out.
March 2014 Book of the Month.
Head to our 'Black Lit Matters' list to find more must-read novels by black writers.
| Primary Genre | Modern and Contemporary Fiction |
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