Corinne Copelan 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.???

Corinne Copelan I love this book so far! And even if I am not from Africa, I am from France, you would think it doesn't touch me, but it does in a big way. Everything…moreI love this book so far! And even if I am not from Africa, I am from France, you would think it doesn't touch me, but it does in a big way. Everything somebody feel when newly in America, the good and the bad, so well described. The way people talk to you, like you must be stupid if your English is not perfect, or if you misspell something. It doesn't matter that you were an A Student growing up, read French, English, Russian Literature, are fluent in many languages...etc, I have been living now more than 30 years in America and this book still speak strongly to me. We are not criticizing America like if it is a bad country, but because we have more perspective than somebody born and raised here. And we still feel like we have to prove that we are good enough to be here, because of our accent.
I came to America because my husband is born and raised an American, and I didn't want him to become a truck driver if we lived in France. I knew he would do much better, as a reporter/journalist in his own country. So not everybody comes here for the great american dream. (less)

flag

Julietta Immigration stories are universal and relatable. This is especially the case in the United States which IS a country of immigrants. Also, have you eve ...more
Nov 05, 2021 07:39AM · 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