Reviews

Zikora by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

donnasbookaddiction's review against another edition

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4.0

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, bestselling author, has delivered a beautifully, and impactful written short story, written in prose.

When Zikora tells her lover, Kwame that she’s pregnant, he abandons her. Preparing for motherhood, Zikora’s demanding, self-possessed mother, and its complicated love. Zikora reflects on her mother’s painful past to understand her better.

This was a moving storytelling in 35 pages, that captures the struggles of mother, daughter relationship, cultural differences, and relationships between men and women.

The audio narration captured the true story and the language of the characters. I recommend listening to the book.

cogumelos's review

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dark emotional sad fast-paced

2.75

rhi_petrycka's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

rakawido's review

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emotional sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

ujjwalala17's review against another edition

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4.0

I have read everything that Adichie has written and I think I will continue to do so for the rest of time. This story is so short but artfully layers many themes. I wish there was more to it, I am already invested in the characters!

k_plansandreads's review

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fast-paced

4.0

cintyaposse's review against another edition

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5.0

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie did it again.

Such a beautiful short story. I'm not a mother nor wanted to be one. But this just struck deep in my heart.

I don't know what else to say than read this. And thank you, Chimamanda.

bojorquezalee's review

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emotional informative inspiring reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

sauriaiel's review

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emotional reflective
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

booksandbrownies_blr's review against another edition

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4.0

Rating: ⭐ 4.5/5

Blurb:
When Zikora, a DC lawyer from Nigeria, tells her equally high-powered lover that she's pregnant, he abandons her. But it's Zikora's demanding, self-possessed mother, in town for the birth, who makes Zikora feel like a lonely little girl all over again. Shunned by the speed with which her ideal life fell apart, Zikora turns to reflecting on her mother's painful past and struggle for dignity. Preparing for motherhood, Zikora begins to see more clearly what her own mother wants for her, for her new baby, and for herself.

“I read somewhere that love was about this, the nuggets of knowledge about our beloved that we so fluently hold.”

"Nature must not want humans to reproduce, otherwise birthing would be easy, even enjoyable: babies would easily slip out, and mothers would remain unmarked and whole, merely blessed by having bestowed life."

What a gift Chimamanda has for storytelling! This is a beautiful, intense short story that explores the multidimensional emotions revolving around pregnancy, motherhood, and relationships, all in 30-odd pages.

Definitely worth a read. Highly recommend!!