Half Of A Yellow Sun By Author Chimamanda Ngozi First Look

Published: February 15, 2026 at 9:09 PM
Last edited: 15 February,2026 at 8:59 PM

I finally picked up a copy of Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. The blurb at the back doesn’t give away too many spoilers, but I am incredibly curious to find out why this specific novel was crowned the Women’s Prize for Fiction ‘Winner of Winners’. First Look: Half of a Yellow Sun Book Cover

‘Here is a new writer endowed with the gift of ancient storytellers’
— CHINUA ACHEBE

Front cover of the book

What It’s About - From the Blurb behind the book

Set in 1960s Nigeria, the story promises to follow three intersecting lives during a tumultuous time:

  • Ugwu, a houseboy for a university professor.
  • Olanna, a privileged woman who leaves Lagos for a simpler life with her lover.
  • Richard, a shy Englishman infatuated with Olanna’s twin sister.

From what I understand, without too many spoilers these characters are thrown together during the horrific Nigerian Civil War, where their loyalties and relationships are tested in unimaginable ways.

Back cover of the book half of a yellow sun

Why I’m Reading It

I find the title interesting and also because I think it will be a good read. I’m looking forward to diving into this masterpiece and seeing if it lives up to the immense praise. I’ll report back once I’ve turned the final page. Here are some testimonials to motivate me to finish it:

‘Vividly written, thrumming with life’
— JOYCE CAROL OATES

‘A magnificent novel’
— INDEPENDENT