Asymmetry Book Summary

SHORTLISTED FOR THE BAILEY'S WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION 'A delicious, important novel' The Times 'Alert, alive and gripping' Independent 'Some novels tell a great story and others make you change the way you look at the world. Americanah does both.' Guardian As teenagers in a Lagos secondary school, Ifemelu and Obinze fall in love. Their Nigeria is under military dictatorship, and people are fleeing the country if they can. Ifemelu--beautiful, self-assured--departs for America to study. She suffers defeats and triumphs, finds and loses relationships and friendships, all the while feeling the weight of something she never thought of back home: race. Obinze--the quiet, thoughtful son of a professor--had hoped to join her, but post-9/11 America will not let him in, and he plunges into a dangerous, undocumented life in London. Thirteen years later, Obinze is a wealthy man in a newly democratic Nigeria, while Ifemelu has achieved success as a writer of an eye-opening blog about race in America. But when Ifemelu returns to Nigeria, and she and Obinze reignite their shared passion--for their homeland and for each other--they will face the toughest decisions of their lives. Fearless, gripping, spanning three continents and numerous lives, Americanah is a richly told story of love and expectation set in today's globalized world.

In 'The Secret History' by Donna Tartt, a group of elite college students become enmeshed in a world of intellectual pursuit and moral ambiguity. Drawn together by their profound appreciation for classical literature, their camaraderie soon spirals into obsession. A shocking betrayal unravels their seemingly perfect lives, leading to a dark twist of fate that questions the very nature of friendship and integrity. Rich in psychological depth and unsettling intrigue, the narrative explores the costs of beauty and the dangerous allure of secrets. As the layers of deception peel away, readers are left to ponder what lengths one might go to protect the truth.

In 'If on a Winter's Night a Traveller,' Italo Calvino invites you on a mesmerizing journey through the labyrinth of storytelling itself. As you, the reader, navigate a series of disconnected narratives, the boundaries between reality and fiction blur tantalizingly. Each chapter uncovers a new plot, each more intriguing than the last, challenging your perception of what a novel can be. With its playful prose and enigmatic structure, Calvino crafts a celebration of literature's power to captivate and confound. Prepare to be entranced by a book that is as much about the experience of reading as it is about the stories it tells.

In 'A People's History of the United States,' Howard Zinn redefines the American narrative by focusing on the experiences and struggles of marginalized groups throughout history. This provocative work unveils the hidden stories of Native Americans, slaves, women, and others who have been silenced in traditional historical accounts. Zinn challenges the reader to rethink the very foundations of American society and its values, highlighting the continuous fight for justice and equality. As he dives into pivotal moments where ordinary people stood against power, the book raises questions about who writes history and whose voices are heard. A compelling call to recognize the past in order to inform the future, it leaves readers hungry for deeper truths about the American experience.

'Federal Taxation in America' by W. Elliot Brownlee delves into the intricate history and evolution of tax policy in the United States. From its origins in the colonial era to the complexities of modern-day taxation, the book uncovers the socio-political forces that have shaped fiscal policy. Brownlee masterfully weaves together economic theory and real-world implications, revealing how taxation reflects broader societal values and priorities. As readers explore the twists and turns of tax legislation, they’ll find themselves questioning the very nature of fairness and equity in a capitalist society. Will the future of taxation lead to reform or further entrench inequality? Discover the answers within this thought-provoking examination.

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In 'The Library Book,' Susan Orlean unravels the mystery behind the 1986 fire that engulfed the Los Angeles Public Library, leading to an exploration of the profound role libraries play in our lives. Through captivating narratives, she intertwines personal stories, history, and the significance of public spaces in fostering community. Orlean's passionate prose celebrates the enduring power of books and the transformation of libraries in the digital age. As she delves into the lives of librarians and frequent patrons, readers are introduced to the fascinating connections people have with literature. This blend of intrigue, history, and heartfelt storytelling beckons readers to reflect on their own relationship with libraries.

In 'The Secrets We Kept,' Lara Prescott unveils a thrilling tale of espionage and love during the Cold War, intertwining the lives of two women who work for the CIA. As they become embroiled in a covert mission to disseminate Boris Pasternak's novel, Dr. Zhivago, they find themselves navigating the dangerous waters of political intrigue and personal sacrifice. The narrative oscillates between their clandestine activities and the haunting longing for connection amid chaos. Prescott masterfully blends historical events with fictional intimacy, showcasing the power of literature as a form of resistance. Will these women succeed in their mission, or will their secrets lead to their undoing?