It is another triumph for Nigerian-born Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie as New York residents select her third novel “Americanah” as the book to read under New York’s “One book, One New York” programme, which seeks to encourage residents of the city to read the same book over the next several months. The programme has as an aim the revitalisation of small bookstores and creation of a greater sense of community among the city residents. Five books were selected by the organisers, and residents were encouraged to vote for their choice either online or in person on interactive digital kiosks located in designated subway stations.
Americanah tells the story of two Nigerian lovers who left to seek greener pastures in two western cities, London and New York, during the Nigerian military dictatorship years. Both were later successful in life and reunited in the present day democratic Nigeria but must re-evaluate their relationship in the light of personal experiences during their years apart. The book won the 2013 National Book Critics Circle Fiction award, and there is an announcement for a plan to adapt it into a movie that will star Lupita Nyong’o and David Oyelowo.
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