Achebe’s character-driven novel of life, love, tradition, and secrets among Nigerian Americans examines the life of Obi Ifeanyi, who lives in Houston with his wife, Nkechi, and toddler son, Ikechukwu. Set in the runup to Obama’s 2012 re-election, The Miseducation of Obi Ifeanyi finds Obi, despite having a graduate degree in law from Howard University, struggling to make ends meet. Obi’s close-knit extended family gathers for frequent get-togethers and pitches in with help and support. As her own graduation approaches, Nkechi joins Folosade “Sade” Olufemi’s campaign for city council without knowing a truth that Obi would like to keep hidden: that Sade and Obi were once together. Tension in Obi’s household waxes and wanes when Obi’s traditional upbringing and notions of gender roles clash with Nkechi’s more liberal ideas.

Achebe’s language is straightforward and matter-of-fact and his characters varied, distinct and interesting as they navigate American life and the complexities of the novel’s political moment. (“They are giving Obama all these problems because he is black,” Auntie Nkiru opines, in a spirited discussion of why so many Americans resist the administration’s plan to make health insurance more accessible.) Nkechi and Ijeoma, strong women in their own ways, especially stand out. The author delineates the aspirations and problems faced by African Americans along the path to career success. The novel also dramatizes the clash in value systems between the more traditional and patriarchal Nigerian culture of first generation immigrants and the ideas of people born and raised in America.

Scenes are alive with talk of the characters’ experiences and opinion, though their voices sound similar, and the dialogue often lacks the verve and spontaneity of the spoken word. Still, the novel succeeds both as an arresting slice-of-life story and as an engaging portrait of the culture clashes and everyday challenges faced by the Nigerian American community.

Takeaway: An engaging slice-of-life of a Nigerian American family and community during the Obama years.

Great for fans of: Lizzie Damilola Blackburn’s Yinka, Where Is Your Huzband, Akwaeke Emezi’s You Made a Fool of Death With Your Beauty.

Production grades
Cover: B+
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A