Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie opens up about her new novel Dream Count, motherhood, and cancel culture in a candid interview. She reflects on grief, writer’s block, and her return to fiction after 11 years, while addressing societal pressures on women and the challenges of open dialogue in today’s world.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, the acclaimed Nigerian-American author, has returned to fiction after an 11-year hiatus with her latest novel, Dream Count. In a candid interview, Adichie reflects on her personal and professional journey, including the loss of both parents, the challenges of motherhood, and her thoughts on cancel culture. The author, known for works like Americanah and Half of a Yellow Sun, opens up about the emotional toll of writer’s block and how grief reshaped her creative process. She also discusses her new role as a mother to twins, emphasizing her desire to protect her children’s privacy while balancing her literary career.
Adichie’s return to fiction marks a significant moment in her life, as she navigates the complexities of late motherhood and the pressures faced by women in society. Her new novel explores themes of identity, immigration, and the immigrant experience, drawing from her own life and observations. Adichie also addresses the backlash she faced in 2017 over comments on gender and trans rights, criticizing cancel culture as “cannibalistic” and harmful to open dialogue. Despite the controversies, she remains committed to writing honestly about women’s lives, including the often-overlooked realities of female health and bodily experiences.
The interview also touches on Adichie’s views on democracy, particularly in the context of Donald Trump’s presidency, and her concerns about the erosion of integrity in public discourse. She expresses hope for a more equitable society, advocating for better working conditions and healthcare. Adichie’s passion for storytelling and her belief in the power of fiction to illuminate human experiences shine through as she prepares to release Dream Count, a novel she describes as deeply personal and reflective of her growth as a writer and individual.
