Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, celebrated author of modern-day classics like Americanah, Purple Hibiscus, and Half of a Yellow Sun, has sent the literary community in Africa and beyond into a joyous frenzy with the announcement of Dream Count, her first full-length novel in 11 years.
The novel tells the story of four women—Chiamaka, Zikora, Omelogor, and Kadiatou—and their loves, longings, and desires. These women’s lives intersect as they navigate the complexities of identity, relationships, and resilience in the face of societal expectations.
Chiamaka is a Nigerian travel writer living in America. Alone in the midst of the pandemic, she recalls her past lovers and grapples with her choices and regrets. Zikora, her best friend, is a lawyer who has been successful at everything until—betrayed and brokenhearted—she must turn to the person she thought she needed least. Omelogor, Chiamaka’s bold, outspoken cousin, is a financial powerhouse in Nigeria who begins to question how well she knows herself. And Kadiatou, Chiamaka’s housekeeper, is proudly raising her daughter in America—but faces an unthinkable hardship that threatens all she has worked to achieve.
Set to be published by Penguin Random House, Dream Count is described by the publisher as “a publishing event 10 years in the making.” The book “pulses with emotional urgency and poignant, unflinching observations of the human heart, in language that soars with beauty and power. It confirms Adichie’s status as one of the most exciting and dynamic writers on the literary landscape.”
Dream Count is Adichie’s first full-length novel since Americanah, released in 2013. In the time between, the critically acclaimed Nigerian author has been busy. Her other works include the book-length essays We Should All Be Feminists (2014) and Dear Ijeawele, or A Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions (2017), the short story Zikora (2020)—whose character’s story continues in this new novel, a memoir tribute to her father, Notes on Grief (2021), and a children’s book Mama’s Sleeping Scarf (2023, published under the pseudonym Nwa Grace James).
Dream Count is set for release on March 4, 2025, and is now available for pre-order. Don’t miss the chance to dive into Adichie’s much-anticipated new work—reserve your copy here.
