Americanah

By: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Narrated by: Adjoa Andoh

Length: 17 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

Shortlisted for the Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction 2014.

From the award-winning author of Half of a Yellow Sun, a powerful story of love, race and identity.

As teenagers in Lagos, Ifemelu and Obinze fall in love. Their Nigeria is under military dictatorship, and people are fleeing the country if they can. The self-assured Ifemelu departs for America. There she suffers defeats and triumphs, finds and loses relationships, all the while feeling the weight of something she never thought of back home: race. Obinze had hoped to join her, but post-9/11 America will not let him in, and he plunges into a dangerous, undocumented life in London. Thirteen years later, Obinze is a wealthy man in a newly democratic Nigeria, while Ifemelu has achieved success as a blogger. But after so long apart and so many changes, will they find the courage to meet again, face to face?

Fearless, gripping, spanning three continents and numerous lives, the National Book Critics Circle Award-winning Americanah is a richly told story of love and expectation set in today’s globalised world.

©2013 Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (P)2013 W F Howes Ltd

Critic reviews

“Actress Adjoa Andoh brings to life Adichie’s complex, beautifully wrought novel – which is both a love story and a nuanced analysis of political topics including systemic racism in America; immigration in the UK; and the class system in Nigeria.” (Vogue)

"One of the previous decade’s landmark novels [...] Andoh is a skilled, exciting narrator." (The Times)

"Andoh's rich voice and distinct characters and rhythm keep the listener engrossed.... Andoh has fun adopting a mocking lilt for Ifemelu's snarky blog entries.... [and] a more serious tone brings authenticity to the heartbreak of Obinze's London experience." ( AudioFile)

Highly recommended

I loved this book. The characters are relatable and real. The discussion of race in America is refreshing and perfectly woven into the story. The narrator has a lovely voice and enacts the characters very well.

Deeply felt, funny, and true

A wonderful book made spectacular by Adjoa Andoh’s performance. I honestly want to listen to everything she’s recorded.

Loved! - An American Born Nigerian

What I loved most about this book is that it challenges all of the traditional stereotypes placed on Nigerian women. I often think about being the woman Ifemelu is, so to hear the embodiment of my secret hopes in a character fuels me to aspire more to being my own woman. Carrying on of the traditional norms are no more. The book not only reflects the changes of time within America, but also Nigeria.
I was also surprised how much I related to the story even though I was born and raised in America. This book helped me further understand some of the conflicts between Nigerian and American culture I’d previously chalked up to “this is just how things are.” I loved this story and I highly recommend it!
I did give 4 stars for performance because some of the accents weren’t the best renditions, but very good nonetheless. 5 stars overall!!

A heart warming love story

I enjoyed every bit of this story, such a heart warming piece and full of depth too. Though, I was sad that Obinze, as good as he was, had to hurt someone but happy that he and Ifemelu got to be together. I don't think the narrator did justice to the narration though, she tried to use a Nigerian accent that was a bit exaggerated. At some point though, I got used to it and even found it amusing.

Lovely

The book had many layers and it was appealing to the very last word. The narration was also well done.

awe inspiring

If you can get past the beginning's weaving narrative confusion, this book is an amazing read! Great narration, great characters, and even better insight into race and culture.

Excellent story that needed to be told

I loved the writing, the imagery and the story. I connected very well with the author and longed to hear a story like this being told. It is the experience of my family and myself. It felt both familiar and new. I felt as if I knew the characters. I listened at every chance I could. A real "page-turner" and I did not want it to end. Thank you Ms Adicihie for telling and creating this story. The narrator Adjoa was also a perfect match, excellent cadence. Fantastic

Beautiful writing, Amazing Character Development

Enjoyed learning about Nigeria and hearing non-American black perspective on racism in America. Beautiful writing that flowed seamlessly. My only criticism is that it dragged in many places.

Wow. What a Well Written Ride <br />

The narrative was awesome! Quite intreging for this uninformed white woman. Enjoyed it. Thank you

Amazing novel.

I listened not knowing what to expect but it was marvelous. I very highly recommend.