Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s triumphant return

The novel opens in early 2020 , in the shadow of the Covid pandemic.

The story moves backwards and (slightly) forwards in time, but it’s the experience of lockdown the looming prospect of it and then its disorientating reality that anchors the narrative.

It explores big themes misogyny, masculinity, race, colonialism, cultural relativism and abuse of power.

Zikora is the character who comes closest to embracing victimhood in the novel.

Adichie examines the power of literature to tell true stories that society would rather have us forget.

The author's cousin Omelogor is perhaps the most interesting character.

She is a successful banker in Nigeria who helps the rich and powerful launder money.