Americanah By Chimamanda Nogozi Adichie- BOOK REVIEW

Rating: 4.75 / 5

It’s a very good read. 

Frankly I got irritated by Ifemelu half way into the story when she made a comment about not liking “hearty” food because she was too judgmental of people that were different to her. I was like who doesn’t like hearty food? Mxiii – importantly, who looks down upon those that like hearty food?

Ifemelu the main protagonist in the book definitely considered herself to be a cut above the rest. That said, it was a story worthy of a read and had a Douglas Kennedy feel about it. He’s my favorite author. 

I still prefer Half of a Yellow Sun that’s why I am rating this 4.75/5.00 rather than 5.00.

If you’re an African that has experienced moving to America for a prolonged period of time for work or education you will enjoy this book a lot more. My sister is one such person and she said she could totally relate to the experience.

I also appreciate and applaud Chimamanda for portraying Africans in a different light. As irritating as Ifemelu became with her quirks she generally embodied the diversity of African diaspora. The media frequently portrays us as backward or simple but that could not be farther from the truth; there are Africans that love “high culture” (art, classical music, etc.) just as there are many in the West who do not so I am very glad that Chimamanda added a different perspective. 

Everyone should read this book as a good piece of literature but more so if you’ve experienced culture shock by moving from your homeland to “The West”.

Buy Americanah on Amazon.com or buy it on Amazon.co.uk.

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