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.