Rachel 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.???

Rachel Did you not feel that there was a story here? The fact that it wasn't told in chronological order doesn't make it any less of a cohesive narrative. Th…moreDid you not feel that there was a story here? The fact that it wasn't told in chronological order doesn't make it any less of a cohesive narrative. There are two main characters, a cast of interesting and well-fleshed-out supporting characters, a series of conflict that represent one major conflict between home/familiar and away/adventure, and the story of a young woman who leaves home, learns a lot, and comes back - essentially the basic narrative for all stories.(less)

flag

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more