A decade in the making, Dream Count is the masterful new novel by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. It is the story of four women - Chiamaka, Zikora, Omelogor and Kadiatou - each grappling with love, ambition, loss and identity in a world that is constantly shifting beneath their feet.
The story begins with Chiamaka, a Nigerian travel writer living in America. She is isolated during the pandemic and reflects on her past romantic relationships. Her best friend, Zikora, has built a successful career as a lawyer, only to be betrayed and is leaning on the person she least expects. Meanwhile, Omelogor, Chiamaka’s outspoken cousin, begins to question herself, while Kadiatou, her housekeeper, deals with an incident that threatens everything she has fought for in America.
Each of the women offer a different perspective on success, sacrifice and self-discovery, ensuring Dream Count resonates with a diverse range of readers. Dream Count also asks profound questions: is true happiness attainable or is it a fleeting state? How honest do we need to be with ourselves to fully love and be loved? The answers to these questions unfold through the richly drawn characters (complex, flawed women who feel real!) whose lives intertwine in unexpected ways.
With her blend of poignant insight, richly drawn characters and evocative storytelling, Chimamanda explores how our choices shape us. She examines the choices we make and the ones that are made for us, delivering a novel that is both deeply personal and universal in its themes.
The pandemic backdrop adds a layer of introspection, forcing the characters (and readers!) to reevaluate what truly matters. Dream Count is an unforgettable exploration of love, longing and the unbreakable bonds between women. Don’t forget to read the author’s note for the story behind the story! Chimamanda explains the inspiration behind her fictional character Kadiatou’s story, exploring multiple themes including resilience, identity and the immigrant experience.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie grew up in Nigeria and is the award-winning author of Americanah. Her writing has been translated into more than 55 languages. Follow Chimamanda online.
Reviewer: Andrea Molloy
4th Estate