Penguin Random House has revealed that Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie will be releasing a new novel titled Dream Count. This story centers around a Nigerian travel writer named Chiamaka who relocates to the US.
Launch Date
The highly anticipated book is set to hit the shelves on March 4, 2025. Adichie dedicated a decade to its creation, exploring the lives of four women and their aspirations and desires.
Connection to Zikora
Previously, Adichie unveiled a segment of this narrative through an Amazon original short story called Zikora. The short story narrates the experiences of a young Nigerian lawyer in the US who navigates her pregnancy alone after being abandoned by her child’s father. On her Instagram, Chimamanda hinted that Zikora is part of a larger project she has been developing.
Notably, one of the characters in Dream Count shares the same name, Zikora.
Plot Overview
Dream Count dives into Chiamaka’s world as she reflects on past relationships and deals with her choices and regrets during the pandemic. Zikora, her accomplished lawyer friend, faces heartache and betrayal, compelling her to seek comfort from an unexpected source. Omelogor, Chiamaka’s bold cousin, who is a formidable financial figure in Nigeria, begins a journey of self-discovery. Kadiatou, Chiamaka’s housekeeper, is proudly raising her daughter in America but confronts a devastating challenge that jeopardizes her aspirations.
Expectations from the Novel
As highlighted by Random House, Dream Count delves into the complexities of love and heartbreak endured by women. The novel scrutinizes the essence of love, contemplating whether true happiness is ever truly achievable or merely a transient feeling. It questions how genuine we must be with ourselves to love and be loved.
The narrative offers a thoughtful examination of the decisions we make and those imposed on us, reflecting on relationships between daughters and mothers, and our interconnected existence. Dream Count is infused with emotional depth and insightful observations of the human experience, presented in a beautifully crafted language that underscores Adichie’s prowess as a leading voice in contemporary literature.
This is Chimamanda’s first novel in 11 years, with her last being Americanah. She also published her first children’s book, Mama’s Sleeping Scarf, in 2023.
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