Name: Robi's review of Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Item: Americanah
Rating: 4.5
Author: Robi

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

SHORTLISTED FOR THE BAILEYâe(tm)S WOMENâe(tm)S PRIZE FOR FICTION 2014. From the award-winning author of âe~Half of a Yellow Sun,âe(tm) a powerful story of love, race and identity. As teenagers in Lagos, Ifemelu and Obinze fall in love. Their Nigeria is under military dictatorship, and people are fleeing the country if they can. The self-assured Ifemelu departs for America. There she suffers defeats and triumphs, finds and loses relationships, all the while feeling the weight of something she never thought of back home: race. Obinze had hoped to join her, but post-9/11 America will not let him in, and he plunges into a dangerous, undocumented life in London. Thirteen years later, Obinze is a wealthy man in a newly democratic Nigeria, while Ifemelu has achieved success as a blogger. But after so long apart and so many changes, will they find the courage to meet again, face to face? Fearless, gripping, spanning three continents and numerous lives, the National Book Critics Circle Award-winning âe~Americanahâe(tm) is a richly told story of love and expectation set in todayâe(tm)s globalized world.

Americanah

Nkechi A

she realized that Cristina Tomas was speaking like that because of her, her foreign accent, and she felt for a moment like a small child, lazy-limbed and drooling.

 "I bet you do," Cristina Tomas said. "I just don't know how well'

Ifemelu shrank. In that strained, still second when her eyes met Cristina Tomas's before she took the forms, she shrank. 

Nigeria’s version of the transatlantic accent. I have something similar. Nigerian, with some American pronunciations, and a hint of some other accents I do not know. I grew up on foreign TV

She spoke with the unplaceable foreign accent, British and American and something else all at once, of the wealthy Nigerian who did not want the world to forget how worldly she was, how her British Airways executive card was choking with miles.

But she had not had a bold epiphany and there was no cause; it was simply that layer after layer of discontent had settled in her, and formed a mass that now propelled her.

Nkwachi Nwamaghinna

"One of the things I've learned is that everybody in this country has the mentality of scarcity. We imagine that even the things that are not scarce are scarce. And it breeds a kind of desperation in everybody. Even the wealthy."

CHIMAMANDA. NGOZI ADICHIE

Introducing the Collins Modern Classics, a series featuring some of the most significant books of recent times, books that shed light on the human experience - classics which will endure for generations to come.

Sarah Christine Gill

Christian Beck

loved Ifemelu‘s character - she felt so real, flawed and relatable. Loved the way this was written.

Robi

Remembered what it felt like to want to read again. Tragically human characters but didn’t like the ending with a bow we got. Maybe it’s a  reminder some things can be good? Immigrant lit but not diaspora is a genre we’ve been missing. 

Dieses Buch ist viel mehr als nur eine Liebesgeschichte. Wir verfolgen das Leben zweier junger Nigerianer, die unterschiedliche Wege einschlagen. Während Ifemelu in Amerika ihr Glück versucht, bleibt Obinze in Nigeria.

In der Geschichte geht es hauptsächlich um Rassismus gegen Schwarze sowie um die Lebensumstände und die politische Lage in Nigeria. Nigeria ist ein Land, über das ich zuvor kaum etwas wusste, und durch dieses Buch habe ich nicht nur die politischen Verhältnisse, sondern auch den Alltag, das Denken und die Eigenheiten der Menschen aus diesem Land kennengelernt.

Das Buch hat mir einen tiefen Einblick darin gegeben, welche Erfahrungen Schwarze auf verschiedenen Ebenen mit Rassismus machen – sei es im Berufsleben, in Liebesbeziehungen oder sogar beim Thema Haare einer schwarzen Frau. Ich habe gesehen, wie viele Schichten Rassismus haben kann und wie facettenreich er ist.

Die Geschichte hat mich gefesselt, die Charaktere wirkten sehr nahbar und authentisch. Allerdings finde ich, dass das Buch nicht unbedingt 600 Seiten haben musste. Meiner Meinung nach gab es Szenen, die überflüssig waren, und Themen, die sich zu sehr in die Länge zogen.

Ein Buch für alle, die sich für Identität, Migration, interkulturelle Erfahrungen und die Realität Schwarzer Menschen interessieren und Lust auf eine besondere Liebesgeschichte haben.

Zainab 

Dieses Buch ist viel mehr als nur eine Liebesgeschichte. Wir verfolgen das Leben zweier junger Nigerianer, die unterschiedliche Wege einschlagen. Während Ifemelu in Amerika ihr Glück versucht, bleibt Obinze in Nigeria.

In der Geschichte geht es hauptsächlich um Rassismus gegen Schwarze sowie um die Lebensumstände und die politische Lage in Nigeria. Nigeria ist ein Land, über das ich zuvor kaum etwas wusste, und durch dieses Buch habe ich nicht nur die politischen Verhältnisse, sondern auch den Alltag, das Denken und die Eigenheiten der Menschen aus diesem Land kennengelernt.

Das Buch hat mir einen tiefen Einblick darin gegeben, welche Erfahrungen Schwarze auf verschiedenen Ebenen mit Rassismus machen – sei es im Berufsleben, in Liebesbeziehungen oder sogar beim Thema Haare einer schwarzen Frau. Ich habe gesehen, wie viele Schichten Rassismus haben kann und wie facettenreich er ist.

Die Geschichte hat mich gefesselt, die Charaktere wirkten sehr nahbar und authentisch. Allerdings finde ich, dass das Buch nicht unbedingt 600 Seiten haben musste. Meiner Meinung nach gab es Szenen, die überflüssig waren, und Themen, die sich zu sehr in die Länge zogen.

Ein Buch für alle, die sich für Identität, Migration, interkulturelle Erfahrungen und die Realität Schwarzer Menschen interessieren und Lust auf eine besondere Liebesgeschichte haben.

Finn James

Kirsten Kim

Chris Dailey

Sprawling love story that crosses decades and continents. Ostensibly about two lovers whose relationship can't survive long-distance then are reunited in their native Nigeria but it's much more than that. Dives deep into the notions of race, specifically the American varietal, as well as sex, gender, religion, class -- particularly the new vs old rich. Power dynamics (again: gender and race) are at play along with class structures. The best parts are the small nuances of the American dialect, daily life for the middle class of Lagos, the details of a black women's hair, the mis-guidance and mis-use of religion, and sardonic wit of the author. Some characters are a bit too perfect and one-dimensional (e.g., the American boyfriends) as are some of the extraordinary circumstances the characters find themselves in. Wonderful insight, humanity and honesty from an excellent storyteller.

Patrick Book

Very eye-opening in a lot of ways. Should be placed firmly alongside the works of Saul Bellow, Philip Roth, and Jeffrey Eugenedes' "Middlesex" as insightful portrayals of America through the eyes of cultural 'outsiders.'

Gelaine Trinidad

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is an amazing writer. She brings stark and honest observations and analyses on the current society and culture of Nigeria, UK, and America. It centers around two main characters and lovers: Ifemelu and Obinze. Ifemelu's perspective and reflections as a recent Black immigrant in America breaks down race in such a critical way (i.e. Barack Obama's presidency, the politics of hair, and what mainstream black respectability looks like). Ifemelu truly experienced racism when she moved to America for school. In addition to the culture shock that comes with immigration, Ifemelu also struggled with her identity (e.g. should she lose her Nigerian accent or not?). These experiences eventually led to the creation of her infamous blog. It talks about race from her perspective as a Non-American Black (certain entries are added as snippets throughout the book). What I also found interesting was Adichie's commentary on Nigeria's progression to its current modern society; the rise of the middle class and their juxtaposed lifestyles, the corruption from the elite, and the role of gender biases.

Meanwhile, Obinze's life as an immigrant in the UK turned out differently from what he expected. Immigration and the treatment of others as aliens post-9/11 are ongoing themes in this novel. What's striking is Adichie's ability to really tell it how it is. She talks about the concept of oppression olympics and the need to survive through illegal deeds in a new country. She showed how lonely it is to be an immigrant, especially when facing challenges that make one more vulnerable to threats and financial burdens. "They would not understand why people like him, who were raised well fed and watered but mired in dissatisfaction, conditioned from birth to look towards somewhere else, eternally convinced that real lives happened in that somewhere else, were now resolved to do dangerous things, illegal things, so as to leave, none of them starving, or raped, or from burned villages, but merely hungry for choice and certainty."

She also keeps it real when showing how immigrants can turn their backs on one another—denying others the opportunity to reach their hopes and dreams. Obinze's childhood friends in UK have either embodied a sense of rigidity, became patronizing and arrogant, or depreciated into ruthless beings as a result of the paths they've led since leaving Nigeria.

Moreover, there were many instances in this book in which liberals would discuss politics and race which was quite awkward but rather interesting: "They looked at the world with an impractical, luminous earnestness that moved her, but never convinced her." I related to Ifemelu near the end of the book when she returned to Nigeria. She perfectly captures the feeling of going back to one's home country and feeling different. We sense the discomfort from Ifemelu as she becomes aware of her adopted westernized values; subconsciously increasing her sense of entitlement and privilege. She doubts whether she's made the right decision of going back and whether the feelings of homesickness and longing were temporary.

This book is also a love story between Ifemelu and Obinze. Earlier in their relationship, Ifemelu remarked how Obinze made her feel like herself—a sign of a lasting and endearing bond. Due to distance and consequential estrangement between the two, Ifemelu finds herself in relationships with American men. Again, this is where Adichie's writing shines. She is able to discuss topics that concern many Black Americans in the 21st century through Ifemelu's relationships with Curt and Blaine. Both Curt and Blaine are interesting characters that warrants further discussion with fellow readers. I do wish there was more introspection from Ifemelu's part when it came to her many judgements and relationship mishaps. I also felt the ending was too abrupt for me. Nevertheless, this book remains compelling throughout despite not being too plot-heavy. I recommend this to those who enjoy literary fiction tackling race, feminist issues, and immigration.

Mercy Jepchirchir Barno

This has to be one of the best books I've ever read/come across. Americanah is one of those books I rarely read (I mostly read Crime/Fantasy ish books), I did read her book "Half of a Yellow Sun", so I thought: Why not read another book by her? :)

At first, I wasn't sure if I was going to like the book when I bought it but overtime, when I was halfway the book, loved it. 

For me, personally, I feel as if the characters aren't characters but rather feel alive, I don't know, I think the best way to put it is; they felt almost human to me, especially Ifemelu. With her, I feel as if she had affected my life in a way I can't explain (don't worry, she affected my life in a positive way). Obinze, on the other hand, he's an okay character, but overtime, I felt 50-50 about him. I guess there was just something about him that put me off. For those who have read the book, what do you lot think of Obinze?

Back to Ifemelu (my favourite character), through-out the whole entire book, one of the constant things that has been going through my mind, was "I want the best for Ifemelu" and such. Because whenever she felt happy, I felt happy, whenever she was sad or unhappy or depressed, for some reason I also felt that. So, yeah, that's what I meant by when I said she affected my life somehow.

One of the other things I loved about this book, is how it addressed some of the important issues; such as Racism and a slight depression at some point later during the book. But yet I love that there are some parts of the book that make you laugh, smile, maybe here and there feel slightly sad that you want to tear up. 

Oh, ...and I forgot to mention how the ending just left me wanting more of this story, and probably saying "Whyyy?!: (For those who have read the book, have you guys wondered the same thing?)

Not only does this book address on racism and what not, but the fact that it's also love story, good people/readers, you will not regret reading this book at all.

Deepika Ramesh

Intense. That’s the word I often said, when I was reading Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Americanah. The book’s quite intense, and beautifully written.

Americanah could be Adichie’s extraordinary commentary on racism, but what seems most stunning to me is her choice to show the flaws in her characters. I admire her protagonists — Ifemelu and Obinze — for two reasons. A) They are imperfect. B) They are free-spirited. While their imperfections and hypocrisy lead them to commit quite a few mistakes, they do it of their own accord.

Ifemelu cheats on her boyfriend, only to spend a wild night with her neighbour, whom she barely knows. She doesn’t participate in the protest passionately staged by her boyfriend, instead lunches with an acquaintance. Her choices might seem thoughtless, but beneath her rash actions lies the unquenchable thirst to live the life the way she wants. And, I wouldn’t blame her for that.

Americanah is just not about a Nigerian girl paving her way to America, suffering only for being black, still making it big there, but aching to return home because nothing else feels like home. It is about women, who have wilfully imprisoned themselves. It is about women, who wouldn’t hesitate to kill themselves to breathe a whiff of fresh air of freedom. It is about women, who are well-exposed, but empty-headed. It is about women, who are witless, but haughty. It is about women, who are poor and resolute. It is about women, who are rich and broken.

The book also tells me that it takes a lot to muster the courage to be honest to oneself; Ifemelu is unapologetically herself, and I love her that way.

hileahrious

I wouldn’t say this is Adichie’s best work, but I can see why so many people think that, it does have a bit of something for everyone. For me it was slightly too cliché and predictable. The characters were as delightful as any of her characters, of course, and I will say the ending was perfect within this context and I’m glad she didn’t complicate it more.

Storyline aside, this is a fantastic commentary on the cultural and historical differences between black peoples across the globe, particularly Nigerians and Americans. It is obviously not the whole perspective, but it looks at “being black” and race in such an educational way, without any disrespect toward either... I don’t know how Adichie does it actually, it’s wildly impressive (I mean, she has spent her whole life between Nigeria and the States, but still! She is incredibly talented). She merely shows you the truths and experiences through the characters, without any judgment or prejudice. I found all of this incredibly interesting as an American (especially as a white American); our view on race and the African American is obviously shaped by our history and experiences, but it is very different from what Nigerians know and have experienced. It’s a novel, but it’s also an intricate dissection of culture. Highly recommended for the perspective and cultural awareness and knowledge it will give to the reader.

Farah Aisha Shabrina

left the book hanging for quite long in the middle of reading it, but already knew that i love how the author narrated the story ever since the first few pages. now i’m picking up where i left off, and i don’t have trouble remembering what’s before the pages. reading the rest of the book feels like listening to your meet-once-a-year best friend telling her life stories which you fully support on, while you also get the amusement at the same time🤣😘 the love story😉, the optimism, the sarcasm, the hard-to-swallow pills.. the kind of book that brings out the old feelings, the feeling of reading modern “to kill a mockingbird”🥺❤️ very heartwarming and I STAN Ifemelu always❤️❤️❤️ also extra knowledge+++ about racism and america(ns)

Hardy  Clervil

While meandering in theme and a bit overwhelmed at the beginning, Americanah shines through the centerpiece love story. It was wonderful to see Ifemelu change as a character and act as a sort of bridge between the gap that is African and African-American culture. Very well done and am looking forward to reading more from Adichie.

very thought provoking, amazing storytelling

Josua Backmann

Perhaps my favorite novel for this chapter of my life. Witty, sharp and slips on like a second skin. It encapsulates a journey about understanding the socialization and downfalls of racism. So honest and slightly gritty, but still with a polish of prose.

A young woman from Nigeria leaves behind her home and her first love to start a new life in America, only to find her dreams are not all she expected.

Beatriz Aguiar

it is not only an amazing story but an important discussion around culture, race and perception.
Ifem and Obinze have different experiences in different countries but both are important and representative of how life can turn differently for people with the same background.
obviously, the main message is the portrayal of racism and the thinly veiled discrimination that happens in various ways but is nevertheless present. wether in america, england or even within nigeria.
it doesn't limit itself to critisising the "others" but also people from the within - which i believe is important in showing how we sometimes work in ways that end up hurting ourselves, whether because of ignorance or sheer stubborness.
great book, excellent insight, superb commentary around an extremely compeling story about people navigating their lives.

appreciated the social commentary but unfortunately just did not enjoy reading it (didn't like the protagonists, quite slow paced)

stephanie

Alexandra Sklar

Excellent read start to finish. I even wished it were a little longer.

Lia 

Arianna M

This was a beautiful, well-written book. The characters are round, sometimes flawed, very human; you get the sense that Adichie is extremely skilled at choosing each word, and nothing is just there to fill the page.
The novel gave me an insight into many unfamiliar situations and places (in Nigeria, USA, and UK), which sometimes proved hard to digest (Ifemelu's first years in the US are… sometimes almost unbearably hard to swallow, because of how unjust the system is), but always very engaging. What was most engaging, in my opinion, and most well-written of all, was the human aspect, especially in relationships. The dynamics, even the ugly ones, or the unsaid and unspoken things between people, are beautifully explored in these pages.
I would like to talk about the ending (spoilers below) with somebody, because the conversations I've had with friends about it make me think I'm alone in actually enjoying the ending. Is that true? Did anyone here like the ending?
Spoiler opinion/question about the ending: (view spoiler)[I think it is a little romance-novel idealistic that Obinze leaves his wife to be with Ifemelu at the end of the book, but I strongly disagree with my friends that this "ruins the book" and "Ifemelu goes back on her development" to be with him. For one, I don't think being happily in love is bad for character, and I think for what Obinze and Ifemelu had, they had to be together. They have a unique connection that can't be severed, so they would've been able to move on without each other, yes, but a cloud of unhappiness and unfulfillment would've hung over them. I'm happy he made the brave choice and decided to be with her, even though I don't believe it would easily happen in real life. (hide spoiler)]

Pavonini

Compelling and beautiful. She manages to be powerful, yet delicate - details standing out and nothing detracting from the whole. I can't recommend her enough.

linda

This book was really beautiful. Unable to put it down, I finished it in about a day. I was enthralled by Ifemelu and Obinze's star-crossed romance, which spanned three continents and more than a decade, and how the adversity they faced shaped them into who they became and ultimately brought them together. The part I perhaps enjoyed the most was its poignant observations about systemic racism in America, something I had previously been shamefully oblivious to. Adichie's writing is graceful, down-to-earth, and powerful at the same time.

Vivian

I had to finish this book as quickly I could; it is not a story that you could press the pause button on.

The story follows Ifemelu's teenage and young adult days in military-ruled Nigeria, her first love Obinze, and her later departure for the US, the struggles of being an immigrant and on top of that being a poor black immigrant, but how she managed to survive and thrive, until she had to confront that emptiness in her heart, that cannot be filled by a loving relationship and a successful career, and after being away for so many years, her eventual decision to return to her homeland. 

I think anyone who lived abroad (or rather lived as an immigrant in the West) could relate to this story and found themselves in parts of it. I particularly enjoyed Adichie's observations as a non-American black, and their differences with African American. This reminds me of how we Chinese consider ourselves different from ABC (American born Chinese). But at the end we slowly become Americanah, oh how we hate it and love it at the same time, in perpetual ambiguity as a 1.5 generation immigrant. Home is neither here nor there. Yet I chose to go somewhere anew, let's just try it once more. Will I succeed or is it a lost cause?

This book is about love, family, home, immigration, race, and belonging, that leaves a lingering longing and ache in my heart, that I do not know how to dispense.

A New York Times BestsellerA Winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award for FictionOne of the New York Times Ten Best Books of the YearFrom the award-winning author of Half of a Yellow Sun, a dazzling new novel: a story of love and race centered around a young man and woman from Nigeria who face difficult choices and challenges in the countries they come to call home.

Lumpkinspice

It’s crazy how much as an Egyptian who lives in Europe, I can relate way too much to a lot of things in this book.
It gives such an interesting approach to race and the idea of belonging.
Such a beautiful piece.

Christian Beck &
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

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Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie