Spotlight: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Dream Count—A Return to Fiction That Breaks Barriers

Set against the backdrop of the COVID19 pandemic, Dream Count is a deeply introspective work that intertwines the lives of four Nigerian women navigating personal and societal challenges. True to Adichie’s style, the novel is both a mirror reflecting women’s realities and a lens magnifying systemic injustices.

The Plot: Four Women, One Interconnected Journey

At its heart, Dream Count is a story about four women whose lives intersect in unexpected and profound ways. Each character represents a distinct journey of self-discovery and struggle, yet their narratives converge in shared themes of longing, survival, and empowerment.

• Chiamaka (“Chia”) serves as the emotional anchor of the novel. A Nigerian travel writer living in Maryland during the pandemic lockdown, Chia is forced into isolation that compels her to confront her past relationships. Her reflections reveal a “dream count,” a tally of attempts to find enduring love—a search that mirrors her deeper quest for meaning and fulfillment. Chia’s narrative resonates universally as readers grapple with their pandemic-induced introspections.
• Zikora, Chia’s best friend and a high-powered lawyer based in Washington, D.C., embodies the contradictions of modern womanhood. Despite her professional success, Zikora faces betrayal from her child’s father and struggles with single motherhood. Her story delves into themes of heartbreak and resilience while questioning societal expectations placed on women.
• Omelogor, Chia’s bold cousin living in Nigeria, is a financial powerhouse who exudes confidence but faces an internal crisis. As she reevaluates her life choices and societal privileges, Omelogor’s journey highlights the complexities of self-perception and cultural identity.
• Kadiatou, Chia’s Guinean housekeeper in America, delivers the book’s most harrowing narrative. A young widow raising her daughter alone in a foreign land, Kadiatou faces unimaginable hardships—including sexual assault by a wealthy hotel guest. Her story draws inspiration from real-life events like Nafissatou Diallo’s case against Dominique Strauss-Kahn, with Adichie using literature to amplify silenced voices. Kadiatou’s resilience becomes a powerful testament to the strength of immigrant women navigating systemic injustices.

Themes and Reception

Dream Count has been lauded for its nuanced portrayal of women’s lives during a time of global upheaval. Critics have described it as “a feminist epic” (The Times UK) and “a homecoming” (Associated Press), praising Adichie’s ability to humanize complex issues through intimate storytelling. The novel explores themes such as:

• Isolation and Introspection: The pandemic serves as both a physical and emotional backdrop, amplifying the characters’ struggles with loneliness and self-reflection.
• Justice and Exploitation: Kadiatou’s storyline shines a spotlight on systemic misogyny and immigrant labor rights.
• Cultural Identity: Through characters like Omelogor and Chia, Adichie examines the intersection of privilege, diaspora experiences, and African heritage.
• Resilience in Womanhood: Each character embodies different facets of strength as they navigate betrayal, societal pressures, and personal growth.

While most reviews have been overwhelmingly positive, some critics noted occasional pacing issues due to the novel’s episodic structure. Nonetheless, readers on platforms like Goodreads have described it as “soulstirring” and “a mirror reflecting women’s lives.”

Adichie’s Literary Legacy

Dream Count joins Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s illustrious body of work that has shaped contemporary African literature:

 Novels:

• Purple Hibiscus (2003): A coming-of-age story set in postcolonial Nigeria.
• Half of a Yellow Sun(2006): An epic tale about the Nigerian Civil War that won the Orange Prize.
• Americanah (2013): A sharp critique of race and immigration that earned the National Book Critics Circle Award.

 Nonfiction:

• We Should All Be Feminists(2014): A seminal essay adapted from her TED Talk.
• Notes on Grief(2021): A memoir reflecting on her father’s death.
• Dear Ijeawele (2017): A guide to raising feminist daughters.

Adichie has also published short stories and children’s books while delivering globally influential TED Talks on feminism and storytelling.

Why Dream Count Matters

Adichie uses Dream Count not only to tell compelling stories but also to challenge societal norms. By weaving real-life inspirations into fictional narratives—such as Kadiatou’s assault—she underscores literature's role as both witness and advocate for justice. In her endnote, Adichie writes: “Imaginative retellings matter,” emphasizing how storytelling preserves truths often overlooked by history.

As Africa continues to rise in global prominence, works like Dream Count serve as reminders of its rich cultural tapestry and the resilience of its people—especially its women. For fans who waited over a decade for Adichie’s return to fiction, this novel is more than worth it; it is transformative.

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by BBC News Africa (@bbcafrica)