Discussion: 1. If you immigrated to the US (or elsewhere in your life) or your family (parents, grandparents, etc.) immigrated to the US, have you had a similar experience to any of the characters? In other words what do you find amusing, interesting, strange, weird, or objectionable about US culture? (This can be anything: language, dress code, communication, social interactions, food, etc. For example in Chapter 1, Ifemulu feels that grown American men eating ice cream cones in public is irresponsible). 2. Based on the previous question, why does Ifemulu find ice cream cones eaten by grown American men irresponsible? What exactly does this mean? 3. Think about Adichie’s interview at The Aspen Institute. Have you ever been racially categorized in America (or another country) in a way that is different from your own country? For example were you categorized as white or black in America while in your home country you would not be categorized this way? 4. Why do you think Americans lump all of the countries into the continent Africa? In other words why do we say “Africa,” vs. Senegal, Nigeria, South Africa or Kenya (to name a few). Why don’t we lump the countries in Europe or South America together? 5. In your opinion, should Ifemulu return to Nigeria after living in the US for 15 years? Do you believe she will be able to cope? Link for the bookShow more
