Americanah

What role does Ifemelu’s blog play in the narrative? In what ways does it illuminate the novel’s central themes as well as Ifemelu’s character?

How are Ifemelu and Obinze’s experiences in America and England similar? In what ways are they different? Given Obinze’s early fascination with America, how would he have fared in Ifemelu’s situation?

Carefully examine the book’s structure. Why did Adichie begin the narrative in the braiding salon, with Ifemelu preparing to go home to Nigeria? How are the many flashbacks important to the overall structure?

In what ways is Dike’s experience in America different from Ifemelu’s or his mother’s? Why? Did Dike’s suicide attempt directly result from being Nigerian-American, as Ifemelu suggests?

As Ifemelu says to Kelsey, the white woman at the salon, a reader’s identity informs how they read a work of literature. Does your racial or cultural identity inform how you read Americanah? Why or why not?

The novel’s title derives for a derogatory term for returned Nigerians who have embraced American speech patterns and mannerisms, while neglecting their Nigerian culture. When she returns to Lagos, has Ifemelu become an “Americanah?” Why or why not?

Compare and contrast two of Ifemelu’s romantic relationships (Curt, Blaine, Obinze). What do Ifemelu and her partner gain from the relationship? Why does each relationship ultimately succeed or fail?

Examine Ifemelu’s boss, Kim, and Kim’s sister, Laura. In what ways do Kim and Laura represent two distinct types of racism in America? How does Ifemelu respond to their various, often unintended, racist remarks?