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Americanah: A Novel By Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie | Conversation Starters
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Americanah , speaking of race issues in the United States, through the eyes of the protagonist, Ifemelu. It also shows some insight into the problems of immigrants and racial issues in the United Kingdom through the eyes of Ifemelu’s first boyfriend, Obinze. The book also deals with the economic problems in Nigeria due to corruption and the lack of will of the government and the wealthy people to bring about change. Ifemelu is a Nigerian girl who gets tired of the constant strikes in her university and goes abroad to complete her education. Her experiences in both Nigeria and the United States form the basis of the book.
EVERY GOOD BOOK CONTAINS A WORLD FAR DEEPER
than the surface of its pages. The characters and their world come alive,
and the characters and its world still live on.
Conversation Starters is peppered with questions designed to
bring us beneath the surface of the page
and invite us into the world that lives on.
These questions can be used to..
• Foster a deeper understanding of the book
• Promote an atmosphere of discussion for groups
• Assist in the study of the book, either individually or corporately
• Explore unseen realms of the book as never seen before
Disclaimer : This book you are about to enjoy is an independent resource to supplement the original book, enhancing your experience. If you have not yet purchased a copy of the original book, please do before purchasing this unofficial Conversation Starters .
Download your copy today for a Limited Time $3.99 ($4.99)
Read it on your PC, Mac, iOS or Android smartphone, tablet and Kindle devices.
Americanah , speaking of race issues in the United States, through the eyes of the protagonist, Ifemelu. It also shows some insight into the problems of immigrants and racial issues in the United Kingdom through the eyes of Ifemelu’s first boyfriend, Obinze. The book also deals with the economic problems in Nigeria due to corruption and the lack of will of the government and the wealthy people to bring about change. Ifemelu is a Nigerian girl who gets tired of the constant strikes in her university and goes abroad to complete her education. Her experiences in both Nigeria and the United States form the basis of the book.
EVERY GOOD BOOK CONTAINS A WORLD FAR DEEPER
than the surface of its pages. The characters and their world come alive,
and the characters and its world still live on.
Conversation Starters is peppered with questions designed to
bring us beneath the surface of the page
and invite us into the world that lives on.
These questions can be used to..
• Foster a deeper understanding of the book
• Promote an atmosphere of discussion for groups
• Assist in the study of the book, either individually or corporately
• Explore unseen realms of the book as never seen before
Disclaimer : This book you are about to enjoy is an independent resource to supplement the original book, enhancing your experience. If you have not yet purchased a copy of the original book, please do before purchasing this unofficial Conversation Starters .
Download your copy today for a Limited Time $3.99 ($4.99)
Read it on your PC, Mac, iOS or Android smartphone, tablet and Kindle devices.
66 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2016
14 people are currently reading
523 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 13, 2019
My friends from Nigeria have regaled me with interesting tales of their lives growing up in that country. Those anecdotes and the fact that this was one of President Obama's favorite novels predisposed me to be a fan. I was, however, sadly disappointed. The early years of the two main characters, Ifemelu and Obinze, provided a well-rounded portrait of the life-styles of many people in Nigeria after the Biafran War. But once the young people began their diaspora, mainly to the U.S. and Britain, their stories turned into fairy tales. From cleaning toilets to being driven in BMW's, from trying to find her place in a U.S. university to hobnobbing with the literati and the glitterati, the characters became unsympathetic, amoral, and without appeal. The "grand romance" theme has always been a turn-off for me, drenched as it must be in cliches and unreality. So, the love affair that propels the two characters toward the grand finale turned this novel into a ho-hum in my estimation.
June 14, 2021
I thought I would need about a week to read the 500 pages of the book.
And that's about the time I spent and not for the reason I thought. I stopped and came back often due to lack of real interest.
And not that it is badly written. The writing is quite reasonable.But much can be read about hair weaving in the barbershop (whose shape has meanings), Chief's party and the conversations with Aunt Ojo. Quite a few characters and sometimes I was a little lost.
Impalo and Obinza live in Nigeria and their love ignites in high school.
Life in Nigeria is difficult. The government is corrupt. A military dictatorship, in fact. Most of the people live in poverty and the elite of senior politicians and military officers have it all, drowning in wealth with houses and cars, luxury restaurants and parties, life is good for someone who are close to the local VIP's while Implo parents can not afford rent until the landlord arrives and pulls out the fuse. The electricity went off. Want back? Pay.
Both want better life. She comes to the United States and he to Europe. Love and want to be together eventually and hope their situation improves compared to what they experienced in Nigeria. But in the United States the developments change direction especially when she meets a new man. And it turns out that even there life is not always easy. You Need to make an effort.
Implo writes a blog that addresses the issue of race in America's PC to absurd. To my taste it reflects reality and is well written.
It is the heart of the book. Less that around includes her lousy roommates apartment, moving and job search.
A case she experienced (not on the blog) as reflecting the quirks of the giant state. She buys clothing and is asked who is the seller who helped her to get the commission.
'I do not know her name.'
'This one with the dark hair'? They both have.
Well, we'll check.
And Implo can't help but wonder - maybe this one with both hands? Why not just ask if it's the black or white girl? Well, this is enlightened and progressive America. There are things that just do not say.
The blog talks about American tribalism. Those proud who have a little Native American blood, thank God we are not completely Negroes. On Chinese and other foreigners and preferring blacks mixed with Cherokee (Native American tribe) and not really blacks. Those who have a black driver or a black caregiver will not be bothered but it is better that the boss is not black. "Oh, it's so complex." The white American would refer to a residential area as ‘diverse’ if about ten percent are black. Beyond that he will probably move apartment. Black will talk about a much higher percentage.
There is a 'real' American who was born there or immigrated many years ago and there is the stranger, the new, the unwanted who will always be some kind of outsider and a security threat or another.
Racism is bubbling beneath the surface. The chances of better work also depend on skin color and accent.
And that's the point. I was expecting a powerful book from a place of discrimination and pain. So I was expecting. And when there are hundreds of pages and quite a bit of background noise, this is not it. At some point after more than half I lost interest and decided it was enough. The idea was understood and the excess text did not contribute.
And that's about the time I spent and not for the reason I thought. I stopped and came back often due to lack of real interest.
And not that it is badly written. The writing is quite reasonable.But much can be read about hair weaving in the barbershop (whose shape has meanings), Chief's party and the conversations with Aunt Ojo. Quite a few characters and sometimes I was a little lost.
Impalo and Obinza live in Nigeria and their love ignites in high school.
Life in Nigeria is difficult. The government is corrupt. A military dictatorship, in fact. Most of the people live in poverty and the elite of senior politicians and military officers have it all, drowning in wealth with houses and cars, luxury restaurants and parties, life is good for someone who are close to the local VIP's while Implo parents can not afford rent until the landlord arrives and pulls out the fuse. The electricity went off. Want back? Pay.
Both want better life. She comes to the United States and he to Europe. Love and want to be together eventually and hope their situation improves compared to what they experienced in Nigeria. But in the United States the developments change direction especially when she meets a new man. And it turns out that even there life is not always easy. You Need to make an effort.
Implo writes a blog that addresses the issue of race in America's PC to absurd. To my taste it reflects reality and is well written.
It is the heart of the book. Less that around includes her lousy roommates apartment, moving and job search.
A case she experienced (not on the blog) as reflecting the quirks of the giant state. She buys clothing and is asked who is the seller who helped her to get the commission.
'I do not know her name.'
'This one with the dark hair'? They both have.
Well, we'll check.
And Implo can't help but wonder - maybe this one with both hands? Why not just ask if it's the black or white girl? Well, this is enlightened and progressive America. There are things that just do not say.
The blog talks about American tribalism. Those proud who have a little Native American blood, thank God we are not completely Negroes. On Chinese and other foreigners and preferring blacks mixed with Cherokee (Native American tribe) and not really blacks. Those who have a black driver or a black caregiver will not be bothered but it is better that the boss is not black. "Oh, it's so complex." The white American would refer to a residential area as ‘diverse’ if about ten percent are black. Beyond that he will probably move apartment. Black will talk about a much higher percentage.
There is a 'real' American who was born there or immigrated many years ago and there is the stranger, the new, the unwanted who will always be some kind of outsider and a security threat or another.
Racism is bubbling beneath the surface. The chances of better work also depend on skin color and accent.
And that's the point. I was expecting a powerful book from a place of discrimination and pain. So I was expecting. And when there are hundreds of pages and quite a bit of background noise, this is not it. At some point after more than half I lost interest and decided it was enough. The idea was understood and the excess text did not contribute.
August 4, 2018
Great book - fascinating insight into everyday life in Nigeria, into what it's like to be a black African immigrant in the US, and in Britain. Themes of love & frienship over time, race and black hair care.
I notice the mean-spirited critic who gave just one star, favoured this work with a very lengthy review, detailing all she disliked. I note that it's one of Barack Obama's favourite books on Africa.
I notice the mean-spirited critic who gave just one star, favoured this work with a very lengthy review, detailing all she disliked. I note that it's one of Barack Obama's favourite books on Africa.
May 19, 2023
"but it was the commercials that captivated her. She ached for the lives they showed, lives full of bliss, where all problems had sparkling solutions in shampoos and cars and packaged foods, and in her mind they became the real America" (139)
"But she was uncomfortable with what the professors called 'participation,' and did not see why it should be part of the final grade; it merely made students talk and talk, class time wasted on obvious words, hollow words, sometimes meaningless words. It had to be that Americans were taught, from elementary school to always say something in class, no matter what. And so she sat stiff-tongued, surrounded by students who were all folded easily on their seats, all flush with knowledge, not of the subject of the classes, but of how to be in the classes" (164)
"Somebody needs to get the job of deciding who is racist and who isn't. Or may it's time to just scrap the word 'racist.' Find something new. Like Racial Disorder Syndrome. And we could have different categories for sufferers of this syndrome: mild, medium, and acute" (390)
"But she was uncomfortable with what the professors called 'participation,' and did not see why it should be part of the final grade; it merely made students talk and talk, class time wasted on obvious words, hollow words, sometimes meaningless words. It had to be that Americans were taught, from elementary school to always say something in class, no matter what. And so she sat stiff-tongued, surrounded by students who were all folded easily on their seats, all flush with knowledge, not of the subject of the classes, but of how to be in the classes" (164)
"Somebody needs to get the job of deciding who is racist and who isn't. Or may it's time to just scrap the word 'racist.' Find something new. Like Racial Disorder Syndrome. And we could have different categories for sufferers of this syndrome: mild, medium, and acute" (390)
November 16, 2021
Ifemelu è una giovane donna, sensibile e determinata, è nata in Nigeria ma studia in America grazie per una borsa di studio. Qui inizia a subire le prime discriminazioni, per il colore della sua pelle, per il suo corpo un po' rotondetto, per i suoi capelli che cerca di acconciare alla occidentale per ottenere consensi, per essere presa in considerazione. Per sfogare la sua frustrazione Ifemelu crea un blog "Razzabuglio" dove scrive in modo ironico e non politicamente corretto di una africana nera in America.
Americanah di Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie edito @einaudieditore è un libro moderno, schietto ma al tempo stesso elegante. L'autrice usa una narrazione veloce e Scorrevole ma mai scontata, fatta di immagini nitide, esplicite e ricche di particolari sia dei personaggi sia delle ambientazioni. Riesce a dare molti spunti di riflessione su temi importanti come l'emigrazione e il razzismo attraverso una scrittura potente e dettagliata.
Americanah di Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie edito @einaudieditore è un libro moderno, schietto ma al tempo stesso elegante. L'autrice usa una narrazione veloce e Scorrevole ma mai scontata, fatta di immagini nitide, esplicite e ricche di particolari sia dei personaggi sia delle ambientazioni. Riesce a dare molti spunti di riflessione su temi importanti come l'emigrazione e il razzismo attraverso una scrittura potente e dettagliata.
November 21, 2023
Dear Ijeawele, or A Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a powerful and straightforward look into feminism, presented as a letter to a friend seeking advice on raising her daughter as a feminist. Adichie gives thoughtful and practical suggestions, talking about different aspects of how society sees gender roles and expectations. With clarity and cleverness, she breaks down stereotypes and encourages people to think about and change societal norms. The book isn't just a guide for parents; it's a call for everyone to question biases and strive for a fairer and more equal world. Adichie's writing is persuasive, meaningful, and an inspiring guide for readers of all ages and backgrounds. Since this book was concise and inside it was very deep and I learned many things from this book.
April 10, 2025
My friend Laura recommended this book last month; I guess 11 years is quite a wait to "discover" Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie but I'm glad I finally did. I am now "hold number 143 our of 42 copies" in the Marin County Library for Dream Count. Americanah was interesting. Nigeria was the homeland of both the male (who went to England) and the female (who went to the US) even though they had fallen in love as teenagers back home. No spoilers here, but maybe I could say it was an interesting discourse on cultural adaptation that relied on the Grimm fairy tale about kissing a few frogs to find a prince. Or TLC's "Waterfalls". At any rate, glad I found this hardback in the San Anselmo library!
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July 11, 2022From the Publisher
Ifemelu and Obinze are young and in love when they depart 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.
Ifemelu and Obinze are young and in love when they depart 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.
December 31, 2018
I read this as a “book you saw someone reading in a public place” for a challenge. I think as a clueless Caucasian (me) it was an intriguing peek into a worldview I’d never see otherwise. That said, it was waaaaay too long for me, and the ending spoiled it for me. I found it too “Hollywood happy ending” to be believable. People change too much over 15 years for that to work, even Ifamelu and Obinze.
The reader of the audiobook was great.
The reader of the audiobook was great.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2020
I loved reading a Nigerian perspective of race in America. This book is especially relevant given that we have a lot of work to do in regards to understanding race in the US. I also enjoyed the love story of Ifemelu and Obinze as they drifted apart and their nostalgia for a great love lost brought them together. I enjoyed how it seemed to defeat the old adage from The Great Gatsby that one can’t bring back the past.
March 16, 2023
I gave stars because of the author's VERY informative American racism issue.
HOWEVER she glossed over the issue of privilege; in this story the privilege of beautiful woman. That just because one is born "beautiful" automatically open up so many more possibilities for her and how she can get away with an attitude and/or abuse that the average person cannot.
HOWEVER she glossed over the issue of privilege; in this story the privilege of beautiful woman. That just because one is born "beautiful" automatically open up so many more possibilities for her and how she can get away with an attitude and/or abuse that the average person cannot.
March 5, 2021
I loved this book. I listened on audible and I loved the reader. A wonderful insight into the challenges those who come to America face - issues with identity even within their own race - even as they return home. It’s a story about acceptance and belonging.
January 24, 2022
Extraordinario es una saga desde la perspectiva de múltiples personajes que toca el sentido de la identidad, del racismo en los Estados Unidos y la vida en Nigeria.
La historia se cuenta en el transcurso de 15 años alternando entre el presente y recuerdos del pasado.
La historia se cuenta en el transcurso de 15 años alternando entre el presente y recuerdos del pasado.
November 23, 2018
It gave me lots to think about in comparing Black American experience to Black African experience.
February 11, 2019
Rereading for the Everybody Reads book. Enjoying this time as much or more than last.
February 9, 2021
Una sorpresa! È raro che un libro di 500 pagine riesca a tenermi incollata alla pagina... Questo ci riesce. Intelligente, arguto, umano, vivo: una meraviglia!
February 24, 2021
The book kept me curious to the end. Although, I don't share the two major characters' relationship ideals, I like Chimamanda's writing style.
April 3, 2021
Very informative. A look into the immigrant experience . Enjoyed the characters.
June 11, 2022
I really enjoyed this book and it was a great book for discussion.
June 23, 2023
I bought this book today. I can't wait to start reading it. I read only on the back cover. It sounds like a great book.
January 19, 2019
Wow. Outstanding book. Complex characters, extremely intelligent blogposts (if you read it, you'll understand this comment), enlightening views on race as well as love and relationships. Don't read this if you just want a simple feel-good book, but if you want a compelling, thought-provoking book, go for this.
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January 9, 2017I loved the book! As it says is about "Love, race, and identity.) At the beginning I thought it was long for me. Since it is approximately 600 pages; however, when I started reading it I was fascinated with what I read. I would stay up reading one more chapter! This book taught me so much about the prejudices many people have when moving to America. Before reading this book, I was unaware about what is happening around us. Reading has challenged my critical thinking skills.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews