Americanah

Ever read a book so astute and well-observed that it seems impossible that the characters don’t actually exist? Americanah is that, and more.

This perspective-changing novel follows Ifemelu’s journey from Nigerian schoolgirl to American writer, and back to Africa again.  It is a true education on race and the immigrant experience in this country, without being pedantic or preachy. Rather, we learn, and hopefully grow, through Ifemelu’s words, her wit, her loves – and the evolution of her hairstyles.

I was inspired to make this dessert during a tender moment in this story between Ifemelu and her childhood sweetheart, Obinze, whose mother is making mango pies. A touch of both Nigeria and America in this one: beautiful, sweet and a little tart, just like Ifemelu herself.