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."