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Thing Around Your Neck, The

Adichie, Chimamanda Ngozi

  13 Reviews

These 12 short stories explore what it means to be Nigerian today - whether in Nigeria, or living in the West. Each story stands on its own with a powerful message imparted through a range of clearly drawn characters, young and old, male and female. Not only do these dazzling stories provide insights to an African culture but also involve the reader in examining universally human experiences such as loneliness, homesickness, alienation, prescribed gender roles and seeking a better life. [Small font]

Comments from Groups

Great stories. Helped by two members who had been to Nigeria and so were able to authenticate background information. More a womens book than a mans. Matamata 003

Members enjoyed the writing. They found the negative experiences of immigrants rather sad, but realistic. Being all women we muttered about the treatment of women by both Nigerian and American men! Marton 001

Short stories don't really appeal to this group. They were well written, but very sad - although real. Always seemed a hard lot for women which is no doubt real but unbearably sad. Otoro 003

Very engaging. Good insight into African culture and conflict with US culture. Highly recommended. Thames 002

All enjoyed the book of short stories very much. Vivid descriptions and excellent developing of themes. Masterton 003

Pages
218
Year
2009

Reviews

THAM 003
14-08-2023
Very mixed response - some loved it, some did not.
CHCH 064
14-08-2023
This book generated possibly the best discussion ever. All appreciated the quality of the writing.
AUCK 354
14-08-2023
Enjoyed by all.
AUCK 230
14-08-2023
Everyone very much enjoys her writing even though the topics are difficult - they are REAL. Loved having short stories, every character came alive immediately.
AUCK 100
14-08-2023
We really enjoyed this writer. Delightful stories, great style. Highly recommended.
WAIKA 003
14-08-2023
Great short stories, well-written. Enjoyed by all the group.
DUNED 012
14-08-2023
The group found the book an easy read. However we all felt we wanted the stories to continue.
LOWER 008
14-08-2023
The book caused us to reminisce about living in different cultures and the feelings of dislocation. Some of the stories were more memorable than others.
PALMN 002
14-08-2023
Generally very positive, with a small minority finding the stories' style repetitive and/or depressing. Discussion flowed!
WANG 008
14-08-2023
The group found that the stories varied in their appeal, but those of us who'd read 'Purple Hibiscus' probably found it easier than those unfamiliar with the writer's style.
LOWER 004
14-08-2023
The group found the short story format and the cultural differences hard to deal with. One of our members had lived in Africa (Liberia) so she enjoyed them more, especially the story set at the Book Prize conference. Some of the stories puzzled us, but we appreciated the quality of the writing.
COROM 003
14-08-2023
It seems our group does not enjoy short stories too much. A couple of us thoroughly appreciated an insight into the lives of Nigerians and the difficulties of arranged marriages, embracing a new country and visiting families back in Nigeria. A great variety of short stories giving us a taste of something so different.
AUCK 379
03-08-2023
One of the few books most people liked. An interesting story with lots of sub plots but woven together well.