Thank you to NetGalley and Alfred A Knopf Publishing for the ARC! Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie follows the lives of four women, the choices they make, the ones that are made for them, and reflects on what could have been. There are tragedies, mistakes, successes, and hope. While told separately, their experiences in Nigeria and in the US are interwoven throughout the book. It begins with Chiamaka who is a travel writer reflecting on her past relationships. Zikura’s (a woman praying for a husband and a family) and Kadiatou’s (a hotel maid) stories had the most impact on me. I think it’s important to note that while the book opens in Covid times and there are some references, it is not the central theme.

Set against the backdrop of the pandemic, this book is a profound meditation on the elusive nature of happiness and the brutal honesty required for true love. Adichie’s writing is sharp and evocative, capturing the emotional urgency of each character’s journey as they confront their pasts, their choices, and the forces that bind them to the people they love. The novel pulses with insight into the human heart, offering a poignant reflection on the connections between mothers and daughters, the complexities of self-love, and the unspoken truths we often hide from ourselves. With Dream Count, Adichie reaffirms her place as one of the most dynamic voices in contemporary literature, crafting a novel that resonates deeply, offering a powerful exploration of the truths we must face to truly live and love.

I've been a fan of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie for over a decade, and have read all of her fiction. I was so excited to see this. However, I read 10 pages and had to stop. I'm kind of surprised to find that it's another Covid book--I don't know how many people have the desire or stamina to read about lockdown. Too bad :-(

Great book! I would Highly recommend this book. The characters and plot were believable. I didn’t want the book to end.