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Americanah Book Summary and Study Guide

Detailed plot synopsis reviews of Americanah


Ifemelu and Obinze meet as teenagers in Lagos, Nigeria. They fall in love and experience a strong connection with each other. When Ifemelu immigrates to the US to continue her education, the stress and difficulties she experiences cause her to lose contact with her lover. She enters into romances with Americans, first a wealthy white man and later a black American professor. Ultimately Ifemelu realizes that her heart is still with Obinze. She returns to Lagos still thinking of him. However he has married another woman.
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Best part of story, including ending: The novel contains interesting insights into race and gender, as well as into the cultural differences between black Africans and black Americans.

Best scene in story: I love the scene where Ifemelu goes to an African-owned salon in the US to have her hair braided before returning to Nigeria. The conversations between the salon employees, Ifemelu and other customers are very entertaining.

Opinion about the main character: Ifemelu is very insightful. She has a strong sense of self-awareness which enables her to laugh at herself.

The review of this Book prepared by J.A. Bowen a Level 2 American Robin scholar

Chapter Analysis of Americanah

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Plot & Themes

Tone of book?    -   thoughtful Time/era of story    -   2000+ (Present Day) Romance/Romance Problems    -   Yes Kind of romance:    -   rekindling lost love/marriage Ethnic/Regional/Religion    -   African Blacks Other aspects:    -   immigrant story Is this an adult or child's book?    -   Adult or Young Adult Book Ethnic/regional/gender life    -   Yes

Main Character

Gender    -   Female Profession/status:    -   writer Age:    -   20's-30's Ethnicity/Nationality    -   Black (American)

Setting

How much descriptions of surroundings?    -   2 () Africa    -   Yes Kind of Africa:    -   Black Africa City?    -   Yes Misc setting    -   fancy mansion

Writing Style

Sex in book?    -   Yes What kind of sex:    -   vague references only Amount of dialog    -   significantly more descript than dialog

Books with storylines, themes & endings like Americanah

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Books Note: the views expressed here are only those of the reviewer(s).
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