Reviews

The Thing Around Your Neck by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Only show reviews with written explanations

readriderunamy's review against another edition

5.0

It is rare to find a collection short stories that aren't all really tragic and draining, but these had so much depth and were so packed that I wanted each of them to be a full novel. Really great. I'd forgotten how much I love her writing about Nigeria.

meadowbat's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

At first I thought the stories in this collection might be a little too perfect and New Yorker-y, with more craft than heart. But I quickly fell in love with Adichie's characters, many of whom are women navigating between worlds or defying male domination in creative ways. Though they sometimes suffer under the customs and corruption of their native Nigeria, none behave like victims, and the West is not without its own sexist assholes, like the English writing workshop leader who constantly tells his African students that they are not accurately representing Africa. It's a brilliant, painful (especially if you're a writer) story-within-a-story, possibly within another story. I also loved the shy gay Jehovah's Witness neighbor in "The Shivering." He was a little like this book--quiet, but it gets to you.

g_jain22's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional informative reflective 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? It's complicated

4.5

soapie33's review against another edition

Go to review page

fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

Stunning collection of short stories. Powerful themes and entire lives pulled together in brilliant, clear and heartfelt writing. ‘Windows on experience that radiate with compassion.’