Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Dream Count is a Powerful Return to Fiction

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Dream Count, her first novel since Americanah (2013), has been a long time coming. While she has published influential essays – including We Should All Be Feminists (based on her blistering TEDx talk of the same name) and Dear Ijeawele (adapted from a Facebook post), cementing her status as a leading voice in contemporary feminism – Dream Count marks her long-awaited return to full-length fiction. A novel of great substance, it reaffirms her prowess as a storyteller, earning a coveted spot on the Women’s Prize for Fiction longlist upon its release.

Set during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dream Count explores middle-aged life and the intersection of personal and societal pressures through the perspectives of four different women, while reflecting on broader themes of identity, and ambition.

There’s Chiamaka, a travel writer disillusioned by love; Zikora, a lawyer wrestling with isolation and professional stagnation; Omelogor, a banker-turned-grad student in Abuja masking vulnerability with wit; and Kadiatou, a Guinean housekeeper whose quiet dignity in the face of immense hardship serves as the novel’s emotional anchor. 

While Chiamaka, Zikora and Omelogor share the experience of navigating life as Nigerian women caught between cultural expectations and modern realities, Kadiatou’s story provides a stark counterpoint, shedding light on the overlooked struggles of migrant workers. Adichie’s narrative lays bare the systemic inequalities and exploitative conditions that dictate the fates of her characters, reflecting the harsh realities faced by countless people across the world.

Adichie’s ability to foster empathy for her characters is one of her greatest strengths. Chiamaka’s arc captures the complexities of modern womanhood: she is fiercely independent yet haunted by unfulfilled desires for love and companionship. Her past relationships, including an affair with a duplicitous academic and a long-distance entanglement with a secretly married Englishman, leave her questioning her self-worth. Her journey toward self-acceptance is intertwined with the support of Zikora and Omelogor, who are also battling their own insecurities and societal expectations. 

Yet Dream Count does not romanticise its characters’ struggles. Yes, there are moments of humour and warmth that shine through, but the novel is unflinching in portraying life’s harsh realities. Kadiatou’s experiences are particularly traumatic – she endures a miscarriage, the death of her newborn and the loss of her husband, all while facing brutal treatment at the hands of soldiers invading her workplace. Adichie’s depiction of Kadiatou’s pain is raw and deeply affecting, inviting readers to contemplate and confront the systemic injustices that disproportionately impact women of colour and migrant workers.

Kadiatou’s narrative ultimately serves as the novel’s beating heart. Her sorrow and quiet strength act as a counterbalance to the comparatively privileged lives of Chiamaka, Zikora and Omelogor. While the other women grapple with personal yet familiar struggles of love, career aspirations and societal expectations, Kadiatou’s challenges are magnified by a domineering system designed to keep her oppressed. Through her story, Adichie makes a poignant statement about the endurance of women in the face of adversity and the ways in which individuals, regardless of circumstance, are shaped by larger societal forces.

Other major themes in Dream Count are the passage of time and the often-painful journey of self-discovery. None of the women’s lives have unfolded as they had once hoped, particularly regarding marriage and motherhood. However, Adichie reframes their disappointments as opportunities for growth rather than failures. The novel presents moments of regret and acceptance, illustrating that even imperfect lives hold meaning. Through their friendships and shared experiences during the pandemic, Adichie underscores the importance of solidarity and support in navigating life’s uncertainties.

What sets Dream Count apart is its seamless integration of contemporary issues into its enormously personal storytelling. Adichie deftly addresses topics such as the impact of body image issues exacerbated by social media, and the difficulty of balancing personal ambition with societal norms and expectations. These issues emerge organically through the characters’ interactions and internal monologues, making them feel integral rather than didactic. Adichie’s sharp social commentary is ever-present but never heavy-handed. Instead, she presents it with a generosity of spirit that invites readers to consider their own assumptions about the complexities of modern womanhood.

Beyond its thematic richness, Dream Count is a testament to Adichie’s mastery of prose. Her writing is evocative and unflinchingly honest, drawing readers into the intimate inner worlds of her characters. It’s a story about the quiet battles women fight every day, making it not only a moving read but also a transformative one.

Ultimately, Dream Count is a meditation on the forces that shape us and the power we hold to redefine our lives. For anyone questioning their place in the world, Adichie’s latest work serves as a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to rewrite your own story.