Americanah

When people ask me the type of books RAs read, this is one that fits into a distinct category: an immigrant coming to America and managing to succeed and live an Americana Dream.  This particular book (Americanah) is the journey of a young Nigerian woman, written by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, which has significant correlations to the author’s own journey.  The two main characters in the story are Ifemelu and Obinze, who are first introduced as young teenagers in Nigeria and fall in love growing up in their homeland.  Ifemelu decides to leave her country to study in the United States, which leads to their breakup.  The remaining storyline follows the separate journeys of the two characters Ifemelu and her challenges in the US, lack of money, dealing with racial bias, finding how immigrants start at the low rung of the employment ladder (care-giver/nanny) to finally making it.  Ifemelu has her big break after she begins to “blog” about the racial divide in the US between African and Caucasian people, which leads her to be hired as a consultant/speaker on topics related to diversity.  Ifemelu’s journey into adulthood is captured through her relationships with men and how society (and her family) responds (first with a white man and later with an African-American – which is very different than from a native African).  Simultaneously, the story shares Obinze’s decision to leave Nigeria and after many attempts goes to the UK to follow his path for success (monetary), which he eventually achieves. The book presents significant reminders to the challenges and disturbing racial intolerances that immigrants face when leaving their homeland.  The book concludes where it began, the two coming face to face at a meeting later in life back in Nigeria, where it all began, and see if after the two journeys the former young lovers can be brought back together again, though one of the characters is now married with a child.  The story is uniquely told through the voice of the character.  This is a beautifully written and engaging book.  The depth of story and intricacies of the characters are well developed.  The story flows nicely.  I would highly recommend this one and yes, dreams can come true with hard work and resilience. Good read for those who really enjoy the journey stories.