The weary weight of womanhood
Through Chiamaka, Adichie captures the emotional exhaustion brought on by the covid pandemic. 'Every morning, I was hesitant to rise, because to get out of bed was to approach again the possibility of sorrow,' she writes. She recalls her relationship with a man, Darnell, which had turned into an obsession. With Darnell, Chiamaka had to fight for every morsel of intimacy. Darnell mocked her for her wealth while he enjoyed the benefits of the same wealth – fancy birthday trips, expensive gadgets, fine wine and dining. Chia wants to talk to Omelogor about Darnell but resists doing so because she is afraid of the self-respect and strength Omelogor brings out in her. When Chia finally finds a man who seems dream-like, she realises her desires might differ from what society wants her to desire.
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