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Nairaland Forum / Entertainment / Literature / My Honest Observation And Critique Of Americanah By Chimanda Adichie (16980 Views)
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Re: My Honest Observation And Critique Of Americanah By Chimanda Adichie by Nobody: 8:49am On Nov 06, 2016 |
Sanchez01:You couldn't have said it any better 2 Likes |
Re: My Honest Observation And Critique Of Americanah By Chimanda Adichie by seguno2: 8:54am On Nov 06, 2016 |
kaziblake: Na N1,500 you call anyhow like that? In this Buhari recession? Things hard oh! 3 Likes |
Re: My Honest Observation And Critique Of Americanah By Chimanda Adichie by Ugosample(m): 9:01am On Nov 06, 2016 |
dingbang: Don't mind him..... Someone I know's mum used to be one of Fela's dancers, and you really think she will be fela's dancer without smoking grass and other activities? Africans like lying to themselves mehn 8 Likes |
Re: My Honest Observation And Critique Of Americanah By Chimanda Adichie by ZoneBslayer(m): 9:04am On Nov 06, 2016 |
jjagz:you obviously don't get the OP..it isn't about reality, the question is, should that reality continue? we're trying to build a better world for the next generation not glamorizing the ills in our current reality...the op clearly admitted it was a reality, but his point (which he kept harking on) was that the writer made it look cool and without consequences... 3 Likes 2 Shares |
Re: My Honest Observation And Critique Of Americanah By Chimanda Adichie by Ugosample(m): 9:07am On Nov 06, 2016 |
2scorehigh: And this is a better review... 4 Likes |
Re: My Honest Observation And Critique Of Americanah By Chimanda Adichie by Sanchez01: 9:17am On Nov 06, 2016 |
0gbeni:The same excuse slow minded folks put up when a book is duly critiqued. There are different type of criticisms, those done on literary grounds, often times card LITERARY APPRECIATIONS, and those often times done to weigh the underlying tones and stance of a writer. I'd recommend you visit Rotten Tomatoes to understand these reviews, even though it's strictly for movies and not books, save for situations where we have adaptations. @the bolded, that's clearly worrisome and very depressing. The concept of right or wrong IS NOT SUBJECTIVE as it leans towards morals and societal values and standings, and not in the minds of individuals. While a few examples might help you justify your assertion, it still does not take away the fact that right/wrong is a moral statue and not just perspective based. 4 Likes |
Re: My Honest Observation And Critique Of Americanah By Chimanda Adichie by Ugosample(m): 9:22am On Nov 06, 2016 |
0gbeni: Exactly.... Though he is entitled to his opinion tho. |
Re: My Honest Observation And Critique Of Americanah By Chimanda Adichie by cyrilamx(m): 9:26am On Nov 06, 2016 |
I hv not read her book...but base on your argument, I will say stating the reality without condemning the evils inherent in these realities is akin to condoning/endorsing it. jjagz: 1 Like |
Re: My Honest Observation And Critique Of Americanah By Chimanda Adichie by remi144(m): 9:38am On Nov 06, 2016 |
still reading mine am at page150 1 Like |
Re: My Honest Observation And Critique Of Americanah By Chimanda Adichie by TheVictorious(m): 9:42am On Nov 06, 2016 |
NICE ONE THANK YOU OP. I just think there is something about us that make us hold our life experiences as supreme whenever we are writing or reporting. As such the greatest writers of this age will be those who can objectively drive home their point, by putting other peoples experiences, thought patterns and and likely occurrences (by unbiased statistical analysis and scientific prediction) into consideration when reporting their takes on a subject matter. Just like the story a nairalander (Babatope) came up with - MyFinalYearLoveLife. I followed it from parts to parts and I must say that it was phenomenal, only that it clearly reveals his religious stance and as such, his write up tags any practice that differs from his values as wrong. 2 Likes |
Re: My Honest Observation And Critique Of Americanah By Chimanda Adichie by FANE4Naija: 9:50am On Nov 06, 2016 |
dingbang:Lol! Most young people don't know that their parents or even grand parents razz pass them. I've seen a lot of pics of grand aunties who were smoking and wore skimpy skirts. They all look innocent now and would at the slightest opportunity mouth off "children of nowadays". But me, I sha know what they did. 4 Likes |
Re: My Honest Observation And Critique Of Americanah By Chimanda Adichie by TheVictorious(m): 10:00am On Nov 06, 2016 |
cococandy: NO sir, she should be objective. What is reality without objectivity? She is subtly using her views to pull the wool over peoples eyes. I am not saying that she should teach morals. Neither should she make rubbish out of peoples' morals simply because they contradict her view of life. 3 Likes |
Re: My Honest Observation And Critique Of Americanah By Chimanda Adichie by nkemdi89(f): 10:07am On Nov 06, 2016 |
jjagz:Neither am I in support nor against her writeups,what matters is for one to take responsibility of any action. Her daughter may have her own divergent views on such issues. Chimamanda grew up in a society where sex is a common norm, why? Because everyone has access to contraceptives, the system is well planned to look after children born out of wedlock, child support system, high rate of divorce, women marry for love and not for the sake of procreation, while in my own society, sex education is a taboo, the opposite of hers, parents even pay less attention to puberty until the society reminds your daughter her breast is getting bigger and needs a bra or to stop bathing outside, even as a late bloomer parents never explain to their daughters the reason, instead society will mock her for that mostly her peers and the opposite sex. Sex to most women in my society is an exchange for a means. I will teach my daughter to stay out of crime and follow her heart. Men are out for pleasure, while women always attach love to theirs. that's why an average men in my society may not go back to Same girl they have slept with but females will, even among the prostitutes they have customers they will always cherish. I won't tell my daughter to wait till marriage either because the tendency of having numerous breakup can never be overruled, instead I will encourage her to be financially independent so that she can differentiate love from means, every woman wants the best for her daughter as my nurse spreads her daughters leg every month to confirm her virginity. 3 Likes |
Re: My Honest Observation And Critique Of Americanah By Chimanda Adichie by WavyJohn: 10:17am On Nov 06, 2016 |
Abi... The book dull me seff an avid reaser and she likes sex.. Almost all her novels depicts a young girl having random sex.. |
Re: My Honest Observation And Critique Of Americanah By Chimanda Adichie by Kay17: 10:23am On Nov 06, 2016 |
Tonason: Novels are mirrors they are critics of our culture and people. There is a layer of appearance while we associate with society. We express outwardly the societal moral values of marriage, chastity, hide our dirty habits etc. But beneath that layer of appearance is the darkness of our real selves and the enjoyment we derive from our vices be it premarital sex or a cigarette etc. A novel wouldn't do just justice if it binds itself to the superficial surface. It owes itself it's authenticity to dig deeper and fish out the ugly truths so it can serve as a valid mirror/critic. And I think Chimamanda did well. She in, an omniscient perspective, searched the conscience and inner thoughts of her characters to reveal their true selves to us. Kosi was extremely shallow. Despite Ife's shortcomings she at least shared more with Obin than Kosi did. And with that reality marriage betrays its own superficiality despite it's promise of love and happiness. 7 Likes 1 Share |
Re: My Honest Observation And Critique Of Americanah By Chimanda Adichie by Nobody: 10:27am On Nov 06, 2016 |
jejemanito: True Story The story was soo honest it was a bit chilling. "In your face and raw truth" was how she dished it A beautifully told story.... @OP....what a sanctimonious load of crap, na only you waka come? . In other words, you need her to lace it with hypocrisy (preach against sex) in order to appeal to your senses eh? Wahala She is not Pastor Adeoluorishuogbueli is she? She has never claimed to be a redeemer....has she? She is a pure story teller, and if you have a problem with it, write your own (Adichie's mentor Achebe said this). She did not write her book to pander to our over-religious appetites Also I started reading "Anthills of the Savanna" ....it has sex, and scandal and corruption so I don't know what you are on about I think you have no business reading books like this, stick to all those Daily Biscuit types. (For people who are yet to read) You are in for a cool, great ride....realistic, rebellious, passionate, well written and believable story You must not read if what you want is morality and preaching. We know where we can get all that...our Senate, our religious institutions, etc 6 Likes 2 Shares |
Re: My Honest Observation And Critique Of Americanah By Chimanda Adichie by awennie(f): 10:34am On Nov 06, 2016 |
This is your own opinion which you are very much entitled to. However, this novel is not a didactic one, so its aim is not to promote morality. Rather, to express the society the way it. I believe the writer also has the right to her own opinion of the society. I would say that glorification of sugar daddy is not utterly true, because we could see how aunty uju suffered miserably after the death of the general. How she suffered to make ends meet and take care of the son. In a way, we are able to get the point that not all that glitters is gold. My own opinion! 4 Likes |
Re: My Honest Observation And Critique Of Americanah By Chimanda Adichie by eezeribe(m): 10:55am On Nov 06, 2016 |
Dear OP,write your own book and correct the issues you addressed Some people talk out of experience .... Some people out of experience don't talk... 2 Likes |
Re: My Honest Observation And Critique Of Americanah By Chimanda Adichie by Sleekyshuga(f): 10:56am On Nov 06, 2016 |
@ OP, Having read Americanah and others (except for The Thing Around Your Neck), I'll say your observations and critique are laudable but then, that literary work was centered on the harsh realities of life, and not basically morals. She is a realist and I appreciate her for that. Truly, the society has declined to such state as described in her book, Americanah. Well, if you want something on morals, Purple Hibiscus will do the magic for you though at a point, I felt nauseated as the way which Eugene brought up his kids was way too crude (my opinion). He was overly religious (a practicing Catholic) who was violent to his household (the book will explain better). Severally, he subjected them to psychological and physical cruelty that his wife, Beatrice had no other option than poisoning him while her son, Jaja stood in for her, and went to jail. No, she is not overrated (for an African female writer) but cannot be compared to the Achebes, Elechis etc.. Those were icons of literary works.. 5 Likes |
Re: My Honest Observation And Critique Of Americanah By Chimanda Adichie by linearity: 10:56am On Nov 06, 2016 |
FakoMaybach1: Good analysis, but it will be wrong of you to anticipate or expect the author to act in certain manner through her writings or to think that, her writings portrays her dispositions & beliefs. You must understand that, good writers must first be actors/actresses. This enables them to be more creative and spin off works that are totally devoid of their personal inclinations. Except, one is writing an autobiography, the writer should not insert themselves, their beliefs or inclinations into the story. 1 Like |
Re: My Honest Observation And Critique Of Americanah By Chimanda Adichie by slap1(m): 11:02am On Nov 06, 2016 |
OP you clearly are very isolated from what literature is about. Americanah is a human story. It is a quotidian story that you actually see and read here on nairaland. Nothing in that story is un-African or unbelievable. People have pre-marital sex, there are baby mamas, lovers cheat, etc. Do you expect her to ignore these and write about crossing seven rivers and seven mountains? Those who complain she does not portray Africa well are hypocrites. Everything she wrote in that book can be linked to Africa and Africans. Africa is evolving (for good or bad, it doesn't matter). There are African stories about gays and lesbians. They may not be endorsing these things, but they write about them because they happen in Africa, because they are part of our story. African story. Like I said, it is a human story, not a textbook on civic education. Your post makes no sense, I'm sorry. 9 Likes |
Re: My Honest Observation And Critique Of Americanah By Chimanda Adichie by einsteine(m): 11:06am On Nov 06, 2016 |
@ OP, she is basically being a feminist. All the themes of the book are firmly explained by her third wave femininism world view. I no longer read Adichie. |
Re: My Honest Observation And Critique Of Americanah By Chimanda Adichie by slap1(m): 11:08am On Nov 06, 2016 |
cococandy: I don't think the mod who moved this nonsense to the front page understands literature. This is a big embarrassment for nairaland. This isn't a critique, it is a soulless, ignorant rambling. 7 Likes |
Re: My Honest Observation And Critique Of Americanah By Chimanda Adichie by slap1(m): 11:09am On Nov 06, 2016 |
armadeo: He must have 'read' only the covers of James Hadley Chase's books. 6 Likes |
Re: My Honest Observation And Critique Of Americanah By Chimanda Adichie by slap1(m): 11:14am On Nov 06, 2016 |
ayosmiles: And the question is: Are there no people like Ifemelu? Why should their stories not be told? 6 Likes |
Re: My Honest Observation And Critique Of Americanah By Chimanda Adichie by Papertrail11(m): 11:19am On Nov 06, 2016 |
DONGOYARO1: her writings are a bit one kind she should just thank her stars shees got a bit of media hype on her ...her movie was also crap 1 Like |
Re: My Honest Observation And Critique Of Americanah By Chimanda Adichie by Papertrail11(m): 11:24am On Nov 06, 2016 |
Deeboiy:+1 |
Re: My Honest Observation And Critique Of Americanah By Chimanda Adichie by chiwetel(f): 11:39am On Nov 06, 2016 |
I have read Americana countless times,and I can say without mincing words that is indeed a great piece. 3 Likes |
Re: My Honest Observation And Critique Of Americanah By Chimanda Adichie by Silumi(f): 12:00pm On Nov 06, 2016 |
op I agree with you totally .ur views are a Mirror of mine intact I think she tried so hard to blend the two cultures (ours and the western world) and she just completely lost me and d ending of d book was quiet pathetic. 1 Like |
Re: My Honest Observation And Critique Of Americanah By Chimanda Adichie by Nobody: 1:33pm On Nov 06, 2016 |
ayosmiles: This proves she is a good writer..no, a great one....she pulls you inside the mind of her characters and forces you to feel something-love, hate, something passionate...she has achieved that with you.... And I like how you became absorbed in a character like that....enough to know you hate Ifemelu Unlike you though, I understand and identified somewhat with her character....pushed, I would say I love her Cheers 4 Likes |
Re: My Honest Observation And Critique Of Americanah By Chimanda Adichie by letterman: 1:55pm On Nov 06, 2016 |
awakeuche: Haba, colonial era ke Americanah wasn't set in the colonial era o. |
Re: My Honest Observation And Critique Of Americanah By Chimanda Adichie by TLAX: 1:59pm On Nov 06, 2016 |
ZoneBslayer: Art mirrors society and so does Chimamanda. She did not set out to write a book about the ideal world. If you want to know the dos and don'ts of marriage and other real life issues, there are enough seminars that deal with that. 2 Likes |
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