HALF OF A YELLOW SUN
by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
When I read (and reviewed) Americanahlast year, I knew I wanted to read more of Adichie’s work, and I was not disappointed by Half of a Yellow Sun. Once again Adichie creates a vivid world full of compelling and complicated characters, all of whom struggle to balance tradition and the hope for a more successful and just future.
Half of a Yellow Sun is set entirely in Nigeria during the 1960’s and 70’s, before and during the civil war. The three protagonists, who share the narration of the story, are part of the academic middle class. When the conflict begins, they are very much caught in the middle.
Adichie structures the book in a fascinating way. She makes the first half, before the military conflict begins, lighthearted and driven by the gossip and drama within the small social world of the characters. And then suddenly, Adichie tells a story of struggle and survival during unimaginable war-time hardship. Knowing almost nothing about the history of Nigerian politics, I was entirely surprised, which must have been how the people who lived through it felt. Adichie skillfully captures both realities completely. This book is engrossing and vivid, and I promise you won’t want to put it down.(Lily)
