Americanah

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie · b. 1977 · Nigeria

Why it matters

Ifemelu leaves Lagos for America, discovers she has become 'Black,' and blogs the discovery; Obinze takes the undocumented London route. Race, hair, and homesickness with bestselling wit: the migration novel of its decade.

At a glance

Brisk, conversational prose with blog interludes makes for an easy, propulsive read.