The Thing Around Your Neck

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

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'The Thing Around Your Neck' by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a collection of short stories that delve into the experiences of Nigerian individuals, both in Nigeria and as immigrants in the United States. The stories explore themes such as the clash of cultures, displacement, personal change, and the struggles faced by women in navigating their identities in different environments. Adichie's writing style is praised for its vivid descriptions, poignant characters, and the ability to seamlessly switch between heavy subject matters and lighter moments.

Adichie's mastery of the short story form shines through in this collection, with each story presenting complete and rounded characters who undergo growth and change. The narratives are compelling, with satisfying endings that leave readers pondering long after finishing the stories. The book is lauded for its ability to bridge the gap between the American experience and the liminal existence of African immigrants, offering a fresh perspective on cultural dynamics and societal issues.

Characters:

The characters are richly drawn, predominantly female, and their narratives explore themes of identity, struggle, and resilience within cultural contexts.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is fluid, engaging, and often deeply emotional, effectively capturing the intricacies of the characters' experiences.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative comprises varied short stories that delve into the lives of Nigerian women, focusing on immigration and cultural challenges they face while exploring family dynamics.

Setting:

Settings primarily encompass Nigeria and the United States, showcasing cultural contrasts and the immigrant experience.

Pacing:

Pacing is variable, often quick to engage but sometimes leaving stories feeling abrupt or unfinished.

The first time our house was robbed, it was our neighbor Osita who climbed in through the dining room window and stole our TV, our VCR, and the Purple Rain and Thriller videotapes my father had brough...

Notes:

The collection has 12 short stories, each exploring different aspects of life.

Adichie's works are categorized as 'own voices', bringing depth to the narratives.

Many stories are about Nigerian experiences, some set in America.

Adichie became popular after her TED talk 'The Danger of a Single Story'.

Characters often navigate cultural tensions between Nigeria and the U.S.

Recurring themes include immigration, relationships, and cultural identity.

The stories often provide social commentary on issues like violence and oppression in Nigeria.

Narration by Adjoa Andoh is praised for enhancing the stories' lyrical qualities.

Several tales reflect the struggles of women against societal expectations.

Common critiques include some stories ending abruptly.

Adichie innovatively uses second-person narration in some stories.

The writing illustrates personal and historical contexts seamlessly.

Many readers appreciate the emotional depth and relatability of the characters.

A story features a young woman navigating a relationship with a wealthy man in America, emphasizing cultural conflicts.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of violence, grief, immigration trauma, and oppressive gender dynamics.

Has Romance?

There is a medium presence of romance, as several stories touch upon romantic relationships and their complexities.

From The Publisher:

A dazzling story collection from the award-winning, bestselling author of Americanah and We Should All Be Feminists

In these twelve riveting stories, the award-winning Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie explores the ties that bind men and women, parents and children, Africa and the United States. Searing and profound, suffused with beauty, sorrow, and longing, these stories map, with Adichie's signature emotional wisdom, the collision of two cultures and the deeply human struggle to reconcile them.

Ratings (8)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (4)
Liked It (2)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (16):

Read It (8)
Want To Read (8)

1 comment(s)

ColorfulLeo92

Loved It

2 months

I love Chamamandas books they are so beautiful and masterful told, it takes you on a real journey through different lives and viewpoints. They are told in a serious tone but are still very readable.

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About the Author:

CHIMAMANDA NGOZI ADICHIE is the author of award-winning and best-selling novels, including Americanah and Half of a Yellow Sun; the short-story collection The Thing Around Your Neck; and the essays We Should All Be Feminists and Dear Ijeawele, or A Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions. A recipient of a MacArthur…

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