Ayomide Ayomide 
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s new novel, Dream Count, is her first in over ten year. In this book Adichie explores a deep, emotional story about grief, immigration, friendship, and love, all set during the pandemic. The title hints at one of the book’s biggest themes: looking back at the dreams we’ve lost while also appreciating the ones that quietly came true.
The novel follows four women—Chiamaka, Zikora, Omelogor, and Kadiatou—each on their own journey to find happiness. Chiamaka (Chia) longs to be truly known and loved by someone, but she doesn’t realize that the people who understand her best are the women in her life. This is what makes Dream Count a powerful story—not because it preaches, but because it shows how strong and supportive female friendships can be.
Beyond gender, the book also explores the struggles of immigrants and the idea of the American Dream. Through characters like Zikora and Kwame, Adichie shows how growing up in different places shapes the way people see the world. Instead of using big statements about race, she tells personal, relatable stories that make these issues feel real.
One of the most heartbreaking parts of the book is Kadiatou’s story, based on a real-life case. She is a hotel maid who accuses a powerful man of assault, only to be attacked by the media and denied justice. Adichie writes her story with so much empathy that you can’t help but feel her pain, anger, and helplessness. It’s a powerful reminder of how unfair the world can be.
While the book mainly sets in Nigeria and America, its themes feel universal—loss, love, and the dreams we all chase. Dream Count is the kind of book that makes you feel everything—sadness, anger, hope—all at once. It’s a strong, emotional novel that shows why Adichie is one of the best storytellers of our time.
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