Celebrated Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, is gearing up for her return to the literary world with the upcoming release of her much-anticipated novel, titled Dream Count. This marks Adichie's first novel in nearly ten years, and it's set to hit the shelves come March 2025.
Published by 4th Estate in the UK and Knopf in the US and Canada, Dream Count promises to captivate readers with its exploration of love, friendship, and the multifaceted layers of human emotion. Michelle Kane, the publishing director at 4th Estate, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights for the novel and expressed her enthusiasm for another work from one of the leading storytellers of our time.
Kane articulated, "Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is one of the most gifted storytellers in the world, and the announcement of this new novel will delight readers everywhere. Dream Count is about the hunger for love and fulfillment and a fierce testimony to the power of female friendship amid adversity, injustice, loss, and regret." She praised Adichie's ability to create emotional intensity through poignant language and vivid observations of contemporary society.
The novel tells the story of four women each facing their own challenges—Chiamaka, Zikora, Omelogor, and Kadiatou. Chiamaka, a Nigerian travel writer living abroad, reflects on her past relationships during the pandemic. Zikora, her best friend and lawyer, confronts betrayal, and Omelogor, Chiamaka’s cousin, begins to question her own self-awareness. Lastly, Kadiatou, Chiamaka’s housekeeper, endures struggles as she strives to provide for her daughter. Each character’s experience weaves together, creating a rich narrative exploring the essence of love.
Adichie elaborated on her inspiration for the book via her official Instagram, noting, "DREAM COUNT revels in language. Some sentences sing, some are poetic, all are truth-seeking, especially about love." She emphasized the book’s exploration of different types of love—romantic, platonic, and the complex emotions tied to both.
Since her debut, Adichie has emerged as one of the most significant literary figures of our generation, with iconic works such as Purple Hibiscus, Half of a Yellow Sun, and Americanah under her belt. She has won numerous accolades, including the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize and the Orange Prize for Fiction. Adichie's previous works have been translated worldwide, cementing her presence across multiple languages and cultures.
For those excited about this new chapter, pre-orders for Dream Count are available on major platforms, and readers are eager to immerse themselves in the emotions and truths Adichie promises to deliver.
