Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie - 2.5/5

I found this book quite boring, which may be unfair as biographies aren’t my usual read. As a semi-autobiography, it confirmed my assumptions, I wasn’t eager to return to it, and it took me a while to finish. The story focuses on women mistreated by men, and while these realities matter, constantly revisiting the most depressing parts of womanhood can be draining. I appreciated the critique of traditional African attitudes toward motherhood and marriage, especially the pressure placed on daughters. Still, the main characters (except Kadiatou) were incredibly wealthy, and their greatest struggle (finding a decent partner) felt hard to sympathise with. It’s not badly written, just not for me. I also found it frustrating how differently romantic longing is framed for men and women. For women, it’s layered with judgment, shame, and societal expectations; for men, it’s just a feeling. No wonder our longing feels heavier – and often more embarrassing.