Book Review: Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie - Page 2

Readers are not coddled as Adichie draws upon research of the war as well as family stories she’s heard since childhood regarding the war and its many injustices. Details are specific and grim, and describe everything from the aftermath of a massacre in a northern town to the terror of air raids targeting civilians to the atrocities of makeshift refugee camps. Adichie is not maudlin in her descriptions; her characters live through these nightmares and react to them in utterly believable, human ways. I found Adichie’s descriptions of the "Dark Sweeps" that torment Olanna fascinating; they offer a very personal look at the potential effects of post-traumatic stress disorder. Olanna’s ability to overcome physical as well as multiple emotional traumas made her one of the book’s most memorable characters.

But there’s a whole cast of those. The story begins with Ugwu, a houseboy for Odenigbo (a revolutionary and university professor whom Olanna eventually marries) on his first day at work. Ugwu ultimately ties the entire story together; he is a simple village boy whose thirst for knowledge leads him to overcome any actual or assumed shortcomings and become much more than anyone would have predicted. I believe he symbolizes the potential of the poor when they’re given proper food and shelter and, eventually, tools for learning. (A little trust, respect, and affection go a long way, too.) Odenigbo lives with books scattered everywhere, and he habitually hands books of interest to his houseboy, who devours them. Odenigbo also sends Ugwu back to school, insisting he go. Ugwu learns and reads and learns some more. He also becomes a fine cook as well as an intrigued observer of the various intellectuals who frequent Odenigbo’s home on a regular basis. Richard, a writer, is one of those guests.

When Olanna moves in with Odenigbo, Ugwu feels threatened at first, but eventually allows her proper English and kind ways to win him over. When Odenigbo’s mother descends on the household, however, Ugwu sees signs of evil which eventually result in tumultuous times for the household, but also lead to the arrival of Baby, a beloved addition. The day the small family is forced to flee their home, Ugwu agonizes about what to bring. They leave with very little and eventually live with even less as they are forced to move into a decrepit building in which they share a single room. Here they meet many other refugees who’ve lost everything and yet hang onto the hope of a brighter future as proud Biafrans.

Article Author: Karen DeGroot Carter

Karen DeGroot Carter, author of the novel ONE SISTER'S SONG, "a lyrical challenge to common assumptions about love, race, and respect," also edits the diversity blog BEYOND Understanding.

Visit Karen DeGroot Carter's author page — Karen DeGroot Carter's Blog