Faith Nyasuguta
Celebrated Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has made a long-awaited return to fiction with the release of her latest novel, Dream Count, marking her first full-length work in over ten years. The novel, which explores themes of identity, love, resilience, and friendship, comes after a significant creative hiatus following the release of her critically acclaimed 2013 novel, Americanah.
Adichie, known for her powerful storytelling and unflinching examination of social issues, has been candid about the personal struggles that contributed to her prolonged break from writing fiction. In a recent interview, the 47-year-old author revealed that the loss of her father in 2020 and mother in 2021, along with the demands of motherhood, led to a period of writer’s block unlike anything she had experienced before.
“It’s a really frightening place to be because writing is the thing that gives me meaning,” she shared. She described grief as an overwhelming force: “It comes in waves, and sometimes your heart feels too heavy for your body to carry.”
Despite this, Adichie eventually found her way back to fiction. The COVID-19 pandemic played a significant role in her creative resurgence, providing both the time and inspiration to develop Dream Count. The novel follows the lives of four women, Chiamaka, Zikora, Omelogor, and Kadiatou, as they navigate personal and professional challenges in both Nigeria and the United States.
Chiamaka, a Nigerian-born travel writer, finds herself stuck in the U.S. during lockdown, reflecting on past relationships. Zikora, a high-powered lawyer, struggles with the pressures of career and family. Omelogor, a banker known for her fearless approach to life, faces unexpected setbacks, while Kadiatou, a housekeeper, battles adversity and the harsh realities of her profession. Through their intertwined stories, Adichie paints a deeply human portrait of ambition, resilience, and the power of female solidarity.
The novel has already garnered widespread excitement, particularly in Nigeria, where Adichie remains a literary icon. Readers and critics alike are eager to see how her signature style,marked by sharp social commentary and rich character development, unfolds in Dream Count.
Adichie’s return reaffirms her status as one of Africa’s most influential contemporary writers. With Dream Count, she once again proves her ability to capture the complexities of life, love, and identity, solidifying her place as a master storyteller on the global literary stage.
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