Americanah is a book that is written so well that after the first few pages I already wanted to never try to write anything again because I knew I’d never be as good. I felt similarly with Adichie’s other books (Purple Hibiscus and Half of a Yellow Sun), but while I loved those books too, Americanah somehow surpasses them in its scope, talent, characterization and sheer emotional impact. I literally cried at the end of this book and while I’m certainly no “tough guy”, not many books manage that. It both deals with race politics in different countries, but at the same time a difficult but authentic love story. Ifemelu and Obinze seem to be meant for each other and still get torn apart and until the ambiguous ending, Adichie never falls for easy answers and romance clichés. Every decision they make seems tough, their flaws feel real and their relationship is not governed by the plot, but only by them as characters. The politics are really thought-provoking, though, and not just window-dressing. Both romance and politics play an equal role and mastering that challenge is impressive all by itself. Adichie has so much to say about race, class, our image of Africa, relationships, regret and pain that I’d say everyone can find something in this book to like. Yes, the book is by a Nigerian author, partly set in Nigeria, but it’s not a “Nigerian” book. In the spirit of truly great novels it’s about everything and everyone.