The Thing Around Your Neck May 2026

is the title story of a collection by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie , first published in 2009. Told in the second person ("you"), the story follows a young Nigerian woman named Akunna as she navigates the disillusionment of the "American Dream" . Plot Summary

Akunna wins the "American visa lottery" and moves from Nigeria to Maine to live with her uncle. She quickly realizes that the America she expected—one of abundance and ease—does not match the reality of her struggle. The Thing Around Your Neck

Akunna feels "invisible" and struggles with the "mix of ignorance and arrogance" from Americans who assume all Africans are from the same place or share the same background. is the title story of a collection by