Crystabel Ukwuegbu
After more than a decade since her last novel, renowned author and feminist figure Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is set to captivate readers once again with her highly anticipated new book, Dream Count.
The novel follows the lives of four Nigerian women who emigrate to the United States, only to realize that their expectations do not align with reality.
At the center of the story is Chiamaka, a writer who defies societal norms by rejecting marriage—something her wealthy Nigerian family had eagerly hoped for.
Her friend Zikora achieves her dream of motherhood, but her child’s father refuses to marry her, leaving her to navigate single parenthood alone.
Chiamaka’s cousin enjoys a thriving corporate career but later abandons it to pursue higher education.
Meanwhile, Kadiatou, who works as Chiamaka’s housemaid and confidante, sees her aspirations crumble after experiencing sexual assault at a luxury hotel.
Exploring Women’s Dreams and Societal Expectations
Speaking at the launch of the French edition of her book in Paris on March 27, Adichie shared her perspective on gender and societal pressures.
“I’m interested in understanding how much of a woman’s dream truly belongs to her and how much is shaped by societal expectations,” she said.
She expressed concerns about the ongoing oppression of women, adding, “Women are judged more harshly for being ambitious, for prioritizing themselves, and for being unapologetic.”
The novel delves into the uncertainties these women face as they question whether they have made the right choices. They wrestle with the pressures of love, opportunity, and racial prejudice while still standing by one another.
Adichie emphasized the importance of female solidarity, stating, “Women are often conditioned to see each other as competition. Choosing to support and uplift another woman is an act of defiance against a patriarchal society.”
Beyond Labels and Stereotypes
Although Adichie is widely recognized for her feminist advocacy, she resists being confined to a single label.
“I don’t consider myself just a ‘feminist writer.’ I see myself as a writer who also happens to be a feminist,” she clarified.
She believes that literature should not be limited by ideology, as real-life stories are often complex and contradictory.
“We are all full of contradictions,” she remarked with a smile.
Another issue she takes to heart is the Western world’s narrow perception of Africa. She rejects the stereotype of the continent as merely a place of suffering, marked by poverty, war, and disease.
“There remains a tendency to perceive Africa as a continent in need of pity, which is deeply concerning. To truly understand Nigeria, one must look beyond that narrow perspective,” she asserted.
She highlighted Nigeria’s vibrant culture, from its booming entertainment industry to its global music stars and thriving business scene.
A Personal Journey Through Grief
Despite Nigeria’s successes, many young people are leaving the country in search of better opportunities due to economic instability. Adichie attributes this to government shortcomings, stating, “The current administration is not focused on improving the lives of ordinary citizens.”
Adichie’s literary career has been widely celebrated, with her novels translated into over 50 languages and earning numerous awards, including the Orange Prize for Half of a Yellow Sun and She received the National Book Critics Circle Award for her novel Americanah.
However, during her first pregnancy in 2016, she struggled with writer’s block. It was only after losing both her parents—her father in 2020 and her mother in 2021—that she found her way back to writing.
“Only when I was nearly finished did I realize: ‘This book is about my mother!'” she revealed in an interview.
Reflecting on the experience, she added, “I believe my mother helped me. I think she wanted to make sure I didn’t completely lose myself in grief.”
Adichie describes Dream Count as “unlike anything I’ve written before.”
” she say’s , This is the first novel I’ve written both as a mother and as an orphan. It has reshaped my view of the world, and that transformation is evident in my writing.”
