“Dream Count” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is the story of four women. I received an advance reader copy from Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor via Netgalley. Opinions from this review are completely my own. The book starts and ends with chapters from Chiamaka’s perspective. She is a Nigerian travel writer living in America. She is the daughter of a rich man, so she has the freedom of traveling even without having an assignment. But the covid pandemic afected her work and relationships. The second perspective is of Zikora, Chiamaka’s best friend, who is a successful corporate lawyer that was betrayed by the man she loved and turns to her mother for help as she is pregnant. The next chapters are from Kadiatou’s perspective. She is Chiamaka’s housekeeper that came to America to raise her daughter. Her story is sad and is a representation of immigrant women everywhere. Please not a content warning (depiction of SA). Her situation shows the struggles with misogyny and the justice system that can be influenced with money. Still she is strong enough to go through everything. We also have Omegolor’s story. She is Chiamaka’s cousin and an independent woman working in the banking world in Nigeria. She comes to America for graduate school and we can see the cultural differences through her interactions with her colleagues. I liked the way Chiamaka was the connection between all the women but they each had their part in the story. This is a beautifully written story with serious and emotional themes. The author’s note at the end give you a glimpse in the background of the stories.

Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche The lives of several Nigerian women intersect in Nigeria and the US. They spend much of their time discussing men, life in the two places,food and their lives as immigrants. Each wonders what her life would be like if her man, dream man or ex were a different way. According to the Author’s Note at the end of the book, much of this story was written to replicate the story of an immigrant hotel housekeeper in New York City who was sexually assaulted by a powerful man while cleaning his room. The incident went to trial where she was presented to be a liar. One of the book’s characters takes on this role. I found the cultural explanations and differences quite interesting, but lost interest as the trial for the assault went on and on. Overall, I’ll give this book three stars and suggest the audience for those with an interest in anthropology.

What an amazing story by the author of Americanah! The story takes place primarily in Nigeria and America with a few other locations around the world included. We spend time with four women whose stories intertwine: Chiamaka (Chia) -- travel writer who longs for love and lives in America Zikora -- a lawyer, Chia's best friend. Also lives in America Omelogor -- Nigerian banking whiz who seeks renewal through an American university Kadiatou -- Chia's housekeeper who is trying to achieve the American dream for her daughter You may recognize Zikora, the title of a short story. When I saw her name, I stopped reading immediately and reread the short story. Turns out you don't need to do this -- the short story is included in this book with a few more details added! This is a rich story that holds your attention. It has one of my least favorite book boyfriends in it! The coronavirus also happens during this book. We learn about the dreams for each character, their struggles, frustrations and joys. The author's note at the end is incredible. She explains the real world inspiration for the character of Kadiatou. If you have triggers, research this book first.

It took a long time to read this book and I have mixed feelings about it. there were parts that were moving, a satisfying end, lots of interesting info and observations about different cultures, both Nigerian and others. Philisophical at times, but also at times filled with many unnecessary details, like what one of the characters ate for breakfast one day and breakfast another day. The length of the book was hard for me, made it feel like work at times and I kept thinking at times what is the point, and at other times, the point was clear. so for me a good third could have been left out and made it more powerful.

This novel is a masterpiece. Adichie’s approach to the socio-economic issues that underly societal and individual values is benignly honest and forthright. She highlights the uneven distributions of wealth and justice, with wealthy individuals being literally above the law while the marginalized and poor are vilified for attempting to seek justice. What is heartwarming is the pivotal role mothers play in the lives of their daughters. There is an inexplicable emotional and physical bond between them that withstands the test of time.

Chimamanda- May your God continue to never fail you. I loved this book so much, the wait was definitely worth it ❤️.