Maxwell’s Comments (group member since Sep 05, 2016)

Maxwell’s comments from the Max Reads group.

There's so much to discuss in this part of the book, specifically about race. The scenes between Blaine and Ifemelu and Blaine's sister are great. All the discussions In the salons and at the professor's class are so well written. I think it's fascinating how Adichie can incorporate these dialogues without it seeming forced. It's hard to tell exactly what side she as the author falls on since no one is ever really painted as the 'right' person. They're complex and messy discussions and that's what makes it so nuanced.

How do people feel about the blog posts? Do you find them helpful to the story or unnecessary? I like them a lot, and I think they are necessary to show Ifemelu's thoughts and attitude, but I wonder how it would've been without them. Or imagine a whole section of the book devoted only to the blog posts.

There was a moment in ch. 27 where Obinze is sitting on the train and looks across at the newspaper a woman is reading. And the article and subject matter seemed extremely relevant to U.K. (Post-Brexit) and America today; the fear of immigration, the denial of history, the rejection of asylum seekers.

I also found the part in ch 33 interesting where Ifemelu is giving her diversity talks for companies, and it says: "During her talks, she said: 'America has made great progress for which we should be very proud.' In her blog she wrote: 'Racism should never have happened and so you don't get a cookie for reducing it.'"

OK so after having reread this far in the book, I'm remembering how little we actually get to see Obinze'e character. He does seem really flat and uninteresting at this point in the story. And I can't really remember if he gets any better. I mean, the story is really Ifemelu's because she is the one that goes to America, and I always thought of the romance as secondary to the social commentary.

Speaking of which, I think Adichie is so amazing at capturing discussions and interactions of race, especially between white and black people. I think I said this somewhere online the first time I read this book, but the little moments and interactions that Ifemelu either witnesses or is a part of, particularly ones involving racism or racial discussions, seem so real. I can imagine Adichie having these experiences herself or using stories she's been told by other people to create those moments in the novel. It's very well-realized and believable.

Has anyone else been reading Americanah this month? I started a few days ago and have really enjoyed taking my time with it. It's been interesting to revisit. I didn't realize how much of the story I forgot.

I love how Adichie describes Obinze and Ifemelu's relationship. The reason their romance when they're young works so well, I think, is because their personalities are so in sync. She is bold but not comfortable in her skin, and he carries himself confidently in a room. There's a line about when she's with him she feels more herself, and I just love that.

I'm excited to hear everyone's thoughts!

I just finished, and wow, I forgot how sad the ending is. I can't believe they never find Kainene :'(

Although, I think if it had a happy ending, it wouldn't have really fit the tone of the book. The war takes things from the characters; everyone loses something. But they also gain a lot through their experiences. I found Ugwu's growth particularly interesting. He was a character I rooted for even when he was doing terrible things.

I'm curious how people feel about the decision he made to rape that girl in the bar. I really expected him not to do it, but he felt like he had no other choice. It was disappointing that he did, but a lot of characters did things they wouldn't normally do in times of peace because they were at war. I don't think that in any way justifies his actions as a person, but I think it makes sense for him as a character in a book.

Something I don't think I realized during my first reading is how often, especially in Ugwu's chapters, that Adichie alludes to things we haven't learned yet. Especially something surrounding Richard and Olanna.

Curious to hear what people think about this?

Just finished part one, and I'm remembering just why I love this book so much. She makes everything feel so familiar. All of the stories and the characters feel so vivid and real. Makes for a pleasant and easy reading experience. I keep getting lost in the story and absorbed by what's happening even though it's not particularly exciting.

My favorite character is Richard, which is the same as the first time I read it. But I also really like Olanna. She's very kind and an interesting contrast to Kainene.

I also think it's interesting to see all the division between the characters. Between Ugwu (country boy) vs. Odenigbo (city man). Between Olanna and Odenigbo's mother. Between Richard and Susan, and also Richard and Kainene. Lots of contrasting experiences that sits well against the backdrop of an impending civil war.

I'm starting either today or tomorrow! I hope others choose to join so we can discuss :)

Rebekah- I totally made the same observation about the scabs on Jaja. But I didn't really think about how his mother was so quick to obey him. It makes me wonder if when he's out of prison things will just go back to the way they were with Jaja taking his father's place. The ending seems more hopeful than that, but I'm not so sure now.

Spoilers:


Should we blame Jaja & Kambili's mother for what she does to their father? I know he was a pretty terrible, hypocritical guy, but does he deserve death?

The part that really pushed me over the edge was in the previous section when he poured the hot water on Kambili's feet. It was so excruciating to read.

Rebekah- that color thing is super interesting! I never noticed that before. I did feel like everything at their home is a lot more muted and not as exciting, which is why when they go to Ifeoma's they sort of come alive. It's the perfect way for Adichie to show their development and for their eyes to be opened.

In regards to the rest of this section, which I just finished: I forgot how uneventful it is in terms of plot, but how much weight everything carries. Adichie is able to take day to day tasks and the general events of these lives and turn them into powerful moments. I think she does that really well in her second novel, so I'm excited to discuss that one next month!

I also really like the relationship between Ifeoma and Beatrice (I hope that's the mom's name--I'm blanking right now). There's a great kinship there, possibly because they're both mothers and of course related through marriage. But I also think it's a great example for Kambili and Amaka. I just think she does such a great job developing these characters.

I'm about halfway through this part and noticing how important voices are in this story. Kambili's own voice is quiet and not confident. She hears the laughter and voices of the women cooking outside when her family is having people over. She hears Coker's wife's voice crying downstairs. It's just an interesting facet of the novel I hadn't noticed the first time I read it. Especially because Ifeoma and Amaka have such strong and confident voices, and Kambili is amazed that Jaja can speak so comfortably in front of them and the people in Nsukka.

I just read this first part. I forgot how short it was. But I agree with what's been said. It's succinct but powerful. Everything seems to be loaded with symbolism but we just don't know what it is yet. Especially the flowers.

I also thought the title of the section was interesting because it could refer to Jaja's defiance of religion or his father. Their father seems to be a sort of god in the family.

Also another small observation: I can't help but think the first sentence of the book is an allusion to Achebe's Things Fall Apart. I know Adichie has said she's heavily influenced and inspired by Achebe, and she's been called the modern Achebe herself. So I found that interesting.

Can't wait to re-read on!

Rebekah wrote: "I know I'm a bit early to the party :') but I started this yesterday. I finished this part, which is tiny, and I already know this is going to be one of those books I'll have to read multiple times..."

I'm glad to see you started it! I'm also excited to see the conversations that form around this book.

Any initial thoughts? I've read it before but it's been a while, so I'll be curious to hear a fresh perspective.

To discuss Americanah: Ch. 45-55

Spoilers are ok. Do not read this thread if you haven't finished ch. 45-55

To discuss Americanah: Ch. 34-44

Spoilers are ok. Do not read this thread if you haven't finished ch. 34-44

To discuss Americanah: Ch. 23-33

Spoilers are ok. Do not read this thread if you haven't finished ch. 23-33

To discuss Americanah: Ch. 12-22

Spoilers are ok. Do not read this thread if you haven't finished ch. 12-22

To discuss Americanah: Ch. 1-11

Spoilers are ok. Do not read this thread if you haven't finished ch. 1-11

To discuss Half of a Yellow Sun- Chapters 25-37

Spoilers are ok. Don't read this thread if you haven't finished ch. 25-37