So who has attended any of the book readings Chimamanda has given in Lagos over the past couple of weeks? I saw a TV interview where the presenters weren't very prepared and which made the interview come across as a rehash of others I've seen. I was reading an article about it and came across the following that I wanted to share;
Adichie describes herself as looking "at the world through Nigerian eyes," but she doesn't hold back on criticizing its culture that fosters widespread government corruption. Or what she perceives as the excessive, neutered politeness of "political-correct language" in the U.S.What are your thoughts?
"Nigeria wasn't set up to succeed, but the extent of its failure is ours. It's our responsibility," she said. "This country is full of so many intelligent people, so much energy, so much potential, so why are we here?"
That kind of truth telling isn't exactly welcome, even in a democratic Nigeria. Speaking Saturday night at a book signing, Adichie drew laughter and a few nervous looks from organizers by describing President Goodluck Jonathan as "not a bad guy, he just seems like he's floundering and has no clue."
I was there, and it was a good meeting. But she should tone down on the makeup, especially the fake lashes.
ReplyDeletethe call for comments wasn't about her looks....the book is the target
Deletewhat was your opinion about the book?...madam make-up police!
Why? If she looks good with it and she likes it,I see no reason why she should tone it down
ReplyDeleteThat's the point, she doesn't. Or maybe I should say, she looks better without so much of it.
Deleteanonymous 10:32,I'm guessing you're a lady? if not pardon me sir/ma'am, but her makeup really should not be any of your business. 'Hope you bought her book? because she is an excellent author.
DeleteSadly I was too lazy to attend any of her book reading but I hear it pulled a lot of crow at all venues...looking forward to reading the book
ReplyDeleteWhy were people feeling uncomfortable about her opinion of the President? Military regime is over and the constitution allows for freedom of speech. They need to watch more of Channels and AIT instead of international tv stations to see how loud Nigerians can get about this government and its policies.
ReplyDeleteI went for the reading/signing that held on Saturday and it was quite entertaining. Plus there was a large turnout of people! People stood in a long queue to get their book signed.
ReplyDeleteWont too many fake products damage her skin just like relaxer will damage her hair? Mchew, oshisco.
ReplyDeleteStop being rude and narrow minded. How do you know that her beautiful skin glow is not from organic/natural products. They do have those you know? Please don't turn this harmless post into unnecessary banter.
Deletethank you for that great response, Nenye. Chimamanda's stance on relaxers wasn't about damage but about identity. Make-up doesn't make you less african unless you use blush on your cheeks
DeleteChimmy has criticised British govt on British soil at that about colonialism, why can't she criticize her own govt? My kind of girl jare.
ReplyDeleteWho are these people criticizing her makeup. That was the first thing i noticed about the pix above...her LOVELY make up and lashes.
One man's meat :)
Large turnout and entertaining are great for our reading culture. I love Americanah,I raced through it quickly. I had a friend with me the day I bought it and she was like, it's a big book when are you going to have time lol. Please see my thoughts here (Spoiler Alert) http://veronicankwocha.wordpress.com/2013/05/06/my-thoughts-on-americanah-by-chimamanda-adichie/
ReplyDeleteshe really looks finer without the heavy make up. but like all have said, the focus is on the book not her looks.
ReplyDeletei love her one sentence perfect discription of Mr Goodluck
I went for the book signing on May 1 at patabah in surulere. there were a lot of people and a long queue for book signing. I don't know about loud makeup but i think she is prettier in person than pictures, and her make up suited her very well. When i saw her i was like wow pretty: this is nice. And i like that she sticks to what she believes in no matter what. www.secretlilies.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteSee? Like Chimamanda asked; "This country is full of so many intelligent people, so much energy, so much potential, so why are we here?"
ReplyDeleteI say we are here because in this country, a person who went to school is still capable of reading an article about a book launch and totally miss the import, because they can't get past the make-up.
Did it occur to this person that Chimamanda might have been making a statement with that particular look? She was selling a book that had a certain theme, so did she wear that book to make a subtle point?
If a person who went to school missed that, then might be one reason why we are here.
Knowledge versus application...