Americanah Summary

A Nigerian woman residing in Princeton, New Jersey, Ifemelu, finds herself on the verge of returning to her home country. Having parted ways with her boyfriend, Blaine, and disengaged from her well-known blog on racial issues, she feels drawn back to her origins and her first love, Obinze. Now affluent and settled in Lagos with a wife and daughter, Obinze's life is disrupted upon hearing from Ifemelu. Despite his beautiful and loving wife, Kosi, Obinze acknowledges the emotional bond he shared with Ifemelu was far deeper. The story then transports us to the past where Ifemelu and Obinze's love story began, their paths diverging as Ifemelu moved to America for her studies. Struggling to find employment because of her student visa limitations, Ifemelu is driven to desperate measures which result in her isolating herself from Obinze out of guilt.

Economic circumstances improve for Ifemelu when she begins work as a babysitter for Kimberly, a well-off woman. She is introduced to Kimberly's cousin, Curt, who is instantly attracted to her. Their ensuing relationship facilitates Ifemelu's career progression and helps her secure a work permit. During this time, Ifemelu learns to love her natural African hair, a symbolic journey of self-acceptance. Meanwhile, Obinze's struggle as an illegal immigrant in London contrasts with Ifemelu's life. His attempt to establish a green card marriage ends in deportation. Back in America, Ifemelu's relationship with Curt falls apart and she begins to blog about her experiences as a Black woman in America. She soon crosses paths with Blaine, an African-American professor, and they begin a romantic relationship that is marked by both personal and societal issues.

Ifemelu's world is rocked when she learns her cousin, Dike, has attempted suicide, prompting her return to Nigeria. There, she reconnects with Obinze, their lingering emotions reigniting. As they navigate their complicated circumstances, they confront each other about their past and their expectations for the future. Their relationship rekindles, causing tension in Obinze's marriage. Considering Ifemelu's accusations of cowardice, Obinze chooses to leave his wife and confront the facades of a seemingly happy marriage. Despite the complexities, the story ends with Obinze standing at Ifemelu's door, determined to be a part of her life.