In the stirring sequel to The Miseducation of Obi Ifeanyi, Obi and Nkechi Ifeanyi, along with their children, Ikechukwu and Chimamanda, navigate the turbulent waters of modern America in the backdrop of Houston,Texas.. Amidst the global upheaval of Covid 19, the Ifeanyis strive to rekindle their marriage, seeking solace in each other as the world outside contends with racial strife and political storms. As the contentious 2020 US presidential election unfolds, their story is a testament to the enduring power of family, the complexities of identity, and the relentless pursuit of happiness against all odds. This is a story of love, resilience, and the unyielding bonds that hold us together when the world seems to be falling apart.
While Obi and Nkechi navigate their changing environment, readers are transported back to days of panic and seclusion, as the United States—and the world—tries to predict COVID-19’s aftereffects. The Ifeanyis initially enjoy their time working from home, but it soon grows wearisome, as “cabin fever” sets in and the family fights a growing sense of isolation, prompting Obi to reminisce about his upbringing’s communal atmosphere juxtaposed with contemporary life’s remoteness. When Obi’s Uncle Ugo is invited to take part in a film documentary on his experiences during the Nigerian Biafran War, it prompts Obi and Nkechi to draw parallels between their parents’ generation and their own, and they vow to never “dim the light on our children’s dreams.”
Readers may want to start with the first book, as Achebe pulls from his characters’ histories for background, but he includes a mix of contemporary events—including George Floyd’s murder—and a handful of twists to keep readers engaged. The question of what justice should look like pops up throughout, and Achebe capably shows that joy and sorrow are never far apart, as an acquaintance observes “we are all living on borrowed time...try and make the best of every minute.”
Takeaway: A Nigerian American family navigates the COVID-19 pandemic.
Comparable Titles: Nikki May’s Wahala, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Americanah.
Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A
