Margin Notes: We Should All be Feminists

We Should All Be Feminists 

by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

An eBook short.

What does “feminism” mean today? That is the question at the heart of We Should All Be Feminists, a personal, eloquently-argued essay—adapted from her much-viewed TEDx talk of the same name—by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, the award-winning author of Americanah and Half of a Yellow Sun. 

With humor and levity, here Adichie offers readers a unique definition of feminism for the twenty-first century—one rooted in inclusion and awareness. She shines a light not only on blatant discrimination, but also the more insidious, institutional behaviors that marginalize women around the world, in order to help readers of all walks of life better understand the often masked realities of sexual politics. Throughout, she draws extensively on her own experiences—in the U.S., in her native Nigeria, and abroad—offering an artfully nuanced explanation of why the gender divide is harmful for women and men, alike. 

Argued in the same observant, witty and clever prose that has made Adichie a bestselling novelist, here is one remarkable author’s exploration of what it means to be a woman today—and an of-the-moment rallying cry for why we should all be feminists.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My book club read this during a short month. I love Adiche's writing, it's so blunt but also so beautiful. You feel like you're talking to a friend who isn't afraid to dig in and discuss tough things. Adichie is just so smart, and thoughtful, and relishes speaking her mind. Her thinking is crystal clear and easy to follow. Her examples bring the essay down from pure theory to something more human. And it's better for it. I loved this essay and can't wait to discuss it with my group!

Side note: The tone of this reminds me of my friend Zoe (also an author). So smart, so blunt, so effective.

View all my reviews