Julietta answers “Why is this book so popular when it is a...”

Citizen asked this question about Americanah:

Why is this book so popular when it is a lengthy, rambling mess of stories interspersed with lectures about race, society and culture? What happened to the idea of a great STORY, characters the reader can care about, conflict, rising action, etc.???

Julietta First of all, it's so popular because the author makes you deeply care about Ifemelu and long for her and Obinze to get back together. The characters …moreFirst of all, it's so popular because the author makes you deeply care about Ifemelu and long for her and Obinze to get back together. The characters are well delineated making them relatable and causing empathy from any reader who can picture themselves in their shoes.
Secondly, the blog helps all races to better understand Black Americans' lives and situations. Sometimes an outsider, such as Chimamanda from Nigeria, can better explain the differences they see. I was particularly impressed by how she was not "black" until she got to the USA.
Thirdly, the author's style flows easily allowing the reader to fly through her book to get to the ending.
I'm sure I'm missing a few more reasons, but you get the idea!(less)

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