AMERICANAH by Nigerian author Adichie

AMERICANAH, Nat'l Book Award '13 is by Nigerian author Chimamana Ngozi Adichie.  Her entertaining & eye opening novel is a love story between Nigerian teens that spans over 3 decades & 3 continents.  Ifemelu is the headstrong, free spirit who falls in love with Obinze as teens in their hometown  in Nigeria.  Having spent years living abroad, Ifemelu in Amer. & Obinze in London, they reconnect after 30 years and rekindle their great love affair.  Looking back, Ifemelu wonders "Had she felt this way as a teenager?  This was love, to be eager for tomorrow."  Their romance is not at "The Heart of the Matter" (Green.)  It is through her foreign eyes & insightful blog, we discover her perspective on life as a black African living in Amer. in comparison to a black Amer., and her life in Nigeria.  It is her observations on racism, social hierarchy and prejudices that are most illuminating.  Adichie's commentaries shed new light on pressing issues.  "It seems to me that in Amer. blacks & whites work together but don't play together."  "Of course people are prejudiced, but aren't we all prejudiced?"  I agreed with this post in response to Ifemelu ending her blog.  "Please come back to the blogsphere soon.  You've used your irreverent hectoring, funny & thought-provoking voice to create a space for real conversations about an important subject."

A Constellation of Vital Phenomena-A Phenomenal Novel

Anthony Marra created a masterpiece of writing with his first novel, "A Constellation of Vital Phenomena."  This miraculous debut takes place over 5 incredulous days during war torn Checnya under attack by Russia in 2004.  War generally speaking is evil and advisably avoided.  All the unbearable horrors that occurred are offset in Marra's novel by the sliver of humanity that prevailed.  These 5 days are majestically woven into a nonlinear timelines spanning backwards with glimpses into the future.   Events & people are hauntingly webbed together.  Some connections are bonded together and others left with enigmatic holes.  The main characters are from small ravaged villages in Checnya.  Sonja is a surgeon working in a hospital with minimal staff & few supplies, trying to tend the wounded soldiers & remaining locals.  Akmed, a flailing Dr. and aspiring artist flees with Havaa, the young daughter of a slain friend to the hospital where Sonja works.  She agrees to care for Havaa in exchange for Akmed's medical assistance.  Sonja mentors Akmed "to teach him that saving a life & nurturing a life are different processes."  Havaa teaches them that love is what chooses a family.  "The years wash away your evidence, 1st you, then your friends & family, then the descendants…"  History writes itself.  Marra has written a miraculous phenomena of immense depth & grace.  

IN THREE WARS-Bio of S. African Dr.'s Service to the State of Israel

Dr. Cyril Kaplan Med. School graduate in Cape Town '1940 and deployed to the Middle East as a physician.  During the war, Dr. Kaplan 1st visited Palestine.  After WWII he specialized in orthopedic surgery in England.  After completing his medical training, Dr. Kaplan volunteered as a surgeon in the 1948 Israeli War.  IN THREE WARS gives a 1st hand account of the implausible struggles for Israel's existence.  Dr. Kaplan was an early pioneer in the medical field for a new nation who fought for its Independence and survival; through the War of Attrition & Yom Kippur War.  Israel's improbable proliferation parallels the amazing altruistic life of a young surgeon.  Dr. Kaplan's struggles to establish & provide basic care with rudimentary provisions during harsh wartime conditions is incredulous.   Dr. Kaplan's own assessment of his role is minimized, "I don't think it has been tremendous.. but I think it has been useful." He pays extensive tribute to the many dedicated medical personnel who worked incessantly and to the many brave young people who went into battle.  Dr. Kaplan found love during the tumultuous years of Israel's early history with his persistent pursuit of another S. African physician who became his wife.  Dr. Kaplan also reflected on S. Africa's own problems with apartheid and other African government's oppression & cruelty to their own people.  This is a compelling life story during a ferocious era.  Dr. Kaplan's insight is never-ending "All wars are completely wasteful and wicked."