Celebrated author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s new novel, Dream Count, explores the interconnected lives of four women from diverse backgrounds, delving into their desires, relationships, and struggles. Inspired by a haunting phrase, ‘I have always longed to be known,’ Adichie weaves together complex characters and real-life experiences in this thought-provoking narrative.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, a celebrated author known for her thought-provoking novels and essays, has finally published her first novel in 11 years.
Her new book, Dream Count, tells the interconnected stories of four women from different backgrounds, exploring their desires, relationships, and struggles.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a celebrated Nigerian novelist, essayist, and short story writer.
Born on September 15, 1977, in Enugu, Nigeria, she rose to international prominence with her novel 'Half of a Yellow Sun' (2006).
Adichie's works often explore the experiences of women in African societies, making her a prominent voice in feminist literature.
She has received numerous awards, including the Orange Prize and the National Book Critics Circle Award.
Her TEDx talk 'We Should All Be Feminists' (2013) further solidified her reputation as a leading advocate for women's rights.
The Inspiration Behind Dream Count
Adichie’s latest work was inspired by a phrase that had been lingering in her mind for years: ‘I have always longed to be known, truly known by another human being.‘ This phrase became the kernel of the story, and Adichie knew she would write something around it.
The novel is set in the Washington D.C. area during the pandemic and follows the lives of four women: Chiamaka, Zikora, Omelogor, and Kadiatou.
The Characters
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s characters are complex and multi-dimensional.
Each woman has a unique story to tell, and their experiences are woven together throughout the book.
Chiamaka is a Nigerian woman living in the U.S., who wishes she were a better writer than she is.
Zikora is her best friend, a lawyer living in Washington D.C., who is quite different from Chiamaka.
Omelogor is Chiamaka’s cousin and lives in Nigeria; she is a successful banker and very unconventional.
Kadiatou is an immigrant from Guinea, experiencing a painful event that is central to the story.
The Real-Life Inspiration
Kadiatou’s character was inspired by Nafissatou Diallo, a hotel worker who accused Dominique Strauss-Kahn of sexual assault in 2011.
The case drew widespread attention, and Adichie felt connected to Diallo for reasons beyond their shared nationality or faith.
When the charges were dropped due to questions about Diallo’s credibility as a witness, Adichie felt rage and frustration.
Writing About Women’s Lives
Adichie’s novel explores the lives of women in relationships with men who shape their lives in various ways.
She notes that women are often socialized to compromise more and hold back their dreams for people they love.
The book also delves into unhealthy relationships, where women find ways to justify their situations despite being deeply unhappy.
Unhealthy relationships involve a pattern of behavior that can cause emotional, physical, or psychological harm to one or both partners.
These dynamics often involve control, manipulation, and disrespect.
According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men experience severe physical violence by an intimate partner.
Warning signs include isolation, jealousy, and possessiveness.
If you're unsure about your relationship's health, seek support from trusted friends, family, or a professional counselor.
A Personal Story
When asked if any of the women in her novel were based on herself, Adichie replied, ‘All of them.‘
She explained that she saw aspects of herself in each character, and they are all reflections of her own experiences and emotions.
Kadiatou Traoré is a Malian politician and the current Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, African Integration, and Mali's Diaspora.
She has been in this position since 2013.
Prior to her ministerial role, 'she' was the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 2002 to 2011.
Her experience spans over two decades in international relations and diplomacy.
