"What Napoleon Could Not Do" by DK Nnuro

What Napoleon Could Not Do, by DK Nnuro, is a powerful and moving novel that offers an insightful perspective on the African immigrant experience in America. The novel follows the lives of three characters with ties to Africa: siblings Jacob and Belinda Nti and Belinda's husband, Wilder. Through their experiences, hopes, and dreams, the novel explores the promise and disappointment of life in America, particularly for African immigrants and African Americans.

The Nti siblings grew up in Ghana with the goal of moving to America, but their experiences in the United States are vastly different. Jacob is an awkward computer programmer who struggles to get a visa to move to Virginia to live with his wife. In contrast, Belinda achieved what her father called "what Napoleon could not do": she went to college and law school in America and married Wilder, a wealthy Black businessman from Texas who has experienced the racism and marginalization that come with being African American in America.

What Napoleon Could Not Do offers a compelling and nuanced portrayal of the African immigrant experience in America. The novel is particularly effective in exploring the differences in perspective between the characters, with Wilder's experiences highlighting the reality of life for African Americans in America. The novel also highlights the tension between the promise and disappointment of the American Dream, as each character navigates their own hopes and ambitions in the face of both opportunity and obstacle.

Nnuro's writing is vivid and evocative, with a keen eye for detail and a deep empathy for her characters. The novel is beautifully crafted, with a structure that weaves together the characters' stories in a way that feels natural and authentic. The historical and cultural context of the novel is also well-researched and thoughtfully integrated into the narrative, adding depth and richness to the story.

Overall, What Napoleon Could Not Do is an impressive debut novel that offers a fresh and insightful perspective on the African immigrant experience in America. It is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant read that is sure to stay with readers long after they finish the last page.