Americanah: I love Ifemelu, but...

I want to hug her and punch her at the same time

Have you ever read a book that you love so much but also really hate?

"Americanah" was that book for me. As someone who has been an avid reader of Chimamanda Adichie's books since my early teenage years, imagine the excitement I felt when I finally got my hands on "Americanah" after postponing reading it for a while.

But upon reading it, I ended up having a sleepless night all because of my favourite character, Ifemelu.

Ifemelu, who is the protagonist of this novel, is a character I loved so much, but then started to dislike towards the end of the book.

Yes, I know life got in the way. Yes, she and Obinze were meant to be, and if not because of circumstances, they would have never had to part.

But nothing, I repeat, no kind of love would ever justify the fact that Obinze cheated on his wife, and Ifemelu is a home wrecker.

It got to a stage where I wanted to go into the book and give her a good yanking on her left ear just to let her know that she was heading towards destruction.

I have never wanted part two of a book like I do for "Americanah." Them being in love is not wrong; what is wrong is that they acted on it at a completely wrong time.

I wouldn't even be writing this if Obinze had simply divorced his wife and then gone back to Ifemelu; I would have understood. But what I refuse to understand is, despite everything Ifemelu had been through and experienced, she dared to hurt and tear another woman's home apart all in the name of a love that seems to me as selfish.

So, would I read it again?

Even if it's just to refresh my disdain for Ifemelu’s bad decision, then yes, I will.

Have you read "Americanah"?

What is your take on Ifemelu and Obinze getting back together despite the latter still being married?