Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has always had an uncanny ability to transform personal and societal narratives into compelling fiction. In her latest novel, Dream Count, the celebrated author explores how dreams and creativity can become refuges during profound loss.
Dream Count; After A Decade of Silence and a New Voice
Adichie’s last novel was published a decade ago, and in that time, the world changed—and so did she. The grief of losing both her parents in quick succession left her grappling with profound sorrow. The loss of her father, Professor James Nwoye Adichie, during the pandemic in 2020, followed by the death of her mother, Grace Adichie, the following year, cast a shadow over her creative spirit. “When my mother died, I couldn’t even think. I was so reduced that there was no other option but for fiction to come back,” she shared in her April 2025 cover interview with Bazaar UK.
Fiction as Healing
For Adichie, writing Dream Count was more than just a creative pursuit—it was a lifeline. The novel, which delves into the interconnected lives of four women across continents, became a canvas on which she could process her grief. Through characters like Chiamaka and Kadiatou, Adichie channelled her emotions, finding moments of joy and healing amidst the pain. “It was only when I was almost done that I realised, ‘My God, this is about Mummy,’” she confessed.
The Power of Dreams
Dream Count is not a melancholic tale despite its roots in sorrow. Instead, it is a celebration of life, friendship, and the audacity of hope. The novel opens with Chiamaka, a character who dreams of being truly known, examining her past relationships during the isolation of the pandemic. Through each of the women’s stories, Adichie underscores the radical power of dreaming—how it allows us to imagine a life beyond our circumstances and dare to put ourselves first.
One of the novel’s most poignant arcs involves Kadiatou, whose story touches on themes of immigration, abuse, and resilience. Adichie’s portrayal is not just about exploring trauma but about bearing witness to the realities faced by countless women around the world. “If there’s nothing else we can do, we can at least bear witness,” she said, highlighting her commitment to truth in storytelling.
Through Dream Count, Adichie shows that grief and dreams are not mutually exclusive. The novel is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to find light even in the darkest times. It reminds us that while grief may change us, it does not have to rob us of our ability to dream—and through dreaming, to heal.
Petals of Resilience
In conclusion, we have to say that we are completely in love with the floral theme of her Bazaar UK cover photo, where vibrant roses and delicate petals frame her like a blossoming vision. It feels poetic if you ask G, almost as if each petal symbolises a dream, a whispered hope amidst the mourning. Much like the roses in her photo, Dream Count is a story of growth and rebirth—where the petals of each dream slowly unfurl against the thorny backdrop of grief. The imagery serves as a reminder that beauty can flourish even in the most unexpected places, much like healing through dreams.
Fashion Details: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie in head-to-toe Dior (All from the Dior Joaillerie selection)