Americanah

by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Americanah cover
Good Books rating 4.75
Contemporary Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 731
  • Added: 2025-09-19
  • Updated: 2025-10-11
  • ISBN: 9781410486134
  • Published: 2016-01-01
  • Formats: 91
  • Reviews: 3
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Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99
Bookshop
Format • £9.49

Americanah is a deeply moving and insightful novel by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award for Fiction. The story centers around Ifemelu, a young Nigerian woman who moves to America for college and grapples with issues of race and identity in her new environment. Her experiences lead her to start a popular blog about race in America, which gains a significant following./n/nAs Ifemelu navigates her new life, she falls in love with an American man named Obinze, but their relationship faces challenges due to cultural differences and the realities of immigration. The novel also delves into Ifemelu's past, including her first love in Nigeria and the political turmoil that shapes her early life. Through vivid storytelling and rich character development, Adichie explores themes of race, immigration, and the search for belonging.

Reviews
Bookish Wayfarer · 2025-09-19
beautiful 4.75

The novel is insightful and beautifully written, addressing important topics thoughtfully. It is a deeply moving and educational read.

The reviewer at Bookish Wayfarer finds 'Americanah' to be a beautifully written novel that tackles a range of important topics with sensitivity and depth. They appreciate the thoughtful manner in which the story explores themes of identity, immigration, and cultural differences. The reviewer feels that the novel is both insightful and educational, offering a rich and immersive reading experience. The characters and their journeys are compelling, making the book a deeply moving and thought-provoking read.

Quick quotes

    Americanah is an insightful, beautifully written novel.

    It addresses a range of important topics in a thoughtful manner.

    I barely scratched the surface of its depth and complexity.

The Resting Willow · 2023-04-13
lovely 5.00

The book is loved for its writing, storytelling, and character development. It is diverse and highly compelling, making it a joy to read.

The reviewer at The Resting Willow absolutely loved 'Americanah' for its exceptional writing, storytelling, and character development. They find the novel to be diverse and highly compelling, with each page offering something new and engaging. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the characters and the richness of the storytelling, making it a joy to read from start to finish. The novel's exploration of identity and cultural contrasts is both enlightening and entertaining, making it a standout read.

Quick quotes

    I absolutely loved every minute of this book.

    The writing, the storytelling, the character development, and the diverse and highly compelling narrative.

    It is a joy to read from start to finish.

The Guardian · Elizabeth Day · 2013-04-15
insightful 4.50

The novel is a superb dissection of race in the UK and the USA. It is both insightful and thought-provoking.

Elizabeth Day praises 'Americanah' for its deep exploration of race and identity. She finds the novel to be a powerful and necessary read, highlighting its ability to dissect complex social issues with nuance. Day appreciates the author's skill in weaving together personal stories with broader societal commentary, making it a compelling and enlightening experience. The characters are well-developed, and their journeys resonate deeply, making the book both emotionally engaging and intellectually stimulating.

Quick quotes

    A superb dissection of race in the UK and the USA.

    Adichie's writing is both insightful and thought-provoking.

    The novel is a powerful and necessary read.

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