Notes on Grief by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

This month’s recommended reading is Notes on Grief by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

Adichie wrote this book right after the death of her father in June of 2020 when he was in Nigeria and she was in the United States. It is raw and real, and especially timely. Though her father did not die of Covid-19, the Covid restrictions complicated her grieving process. She was unable to travel to Nigeria to be with family because the airports in Nigeria were completely closed, his funeral was delayed by many months, etc.

If you have read any of her other books — Americanah, Half of a Yellow Sun — then you know she is an incredible writer. Her ability to put her feelings into words is remarkable. If you are a griever, I think you will feel seen reading this.  Her grief is specific to the loss of her father, but I think anyone who has lost someone will identify with her and and maybe have a few “I thought I was the only one,” moments. You don’t have to be actively grieving to appreciate it, though. It really is beautiful.

This book is short at only 67 pages so it’s not overwhelming, and is a smaller size than a typical book. I think this with a note of love and support could be an excellent meaningful gift for someone you know who is grieving. Sometimes it’s nice to give something that the person can absorb and appreciate in the days and months to come after the flowers have faded. Just know, this is not a self-help book designed to cheer you or help you navigate grief in any way. It is a portrait of her own grief, and I believe there’s value in seeing your own grief reflected in someone else’s lived experience.