Award-winning Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has made a highly anticipated return to the literary world with the release of Dream Count, her first novel in over ten years. The novel marks her return to long-form fiction since the critically acclaimed Americanah in 2013 and explores themes of identity, love, and resilience.
Adichie, known for her compelling storytelling and deep exploration of social issues, took a long hiatus from writing fiction due to major life changes. The 47-year-old author cited the birth of her daughter and the devastating loss of both her parents as significant factors contributing to her writer’s block.
“It’s a really frightening place to be because writing is the thing that gives me meaning,” Adichie said in a recent interview. She described the emotional weight of grief, noting, “Your heart really is very heavy, you feel as though your body is somehow no longer able to carry the weight of your heart.” However, the loss of her mother ultimately became the catalyst that led her back to fiction, inspiring the creation of Dream Count amidst personal transformation and global upheaval.
Set against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dream Count follows the lives of four women—Chiamaka, Zikora, Omelogor, and Kadiatou—who navigate personal and professional struggles between Nigeria and the United States. Chiamaka, a Nigerian-born travel writer, reflects on past relationships while stuck in lockdown in the U.S. Zikora, a successful lawyer, Omelogor, a daring banker, and Kadiatou, a housekeeper facing adversity, each grapple with the unexpected twists of life. Through their interconnected narratives, Adichie masterfully paints a picture of resilience, ambition, and female solidarity.
The release of Dream Count has been met with widespread excitement, particularly in Nigeria, where Adichie remains a literary icon. Her ability to capture everyday realities with unfiltered honesty has solidified her status as one of the most influential voices in contemporary literature.
The novel is now available in bookstores and online platforms such as Nuria Bookstore, Textbook Centre, and Soma Nami, with prices ranging from KSh. 2,200 to KSh. 2,900 depending on the retailer.
