It’s been several weeks since the release of Dream Count, the highly anticipated new novel by acclaimed Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Since its debut, Adichie has been on a global media tour — from in-depth interviews to gracing the covers of international magazines — and recently earned a coveted spot on the 2025 Women’s Prize for Fiction shortlist.
In a powerful and wide-ranging conversation on Trevor Noah’s What Now? podcast, Chimamanda opens up about Dream Count, calling it her most “grown-up” novel yet. She shares how she leaned into the unknown while writing this book, embracing uncertainty rather than trying to tie everything together neatly — a shift that reflects both personal and creative maturity.
The episode dives deep into key themes surrounding the novel and beyond. From the intersection of fame and creativity, to authenticity in storytelling, criticism of American academia, and the depiction of love and relationships in fiction, no topic is off-limits. Chimamanda and Trevor also explore how American narratives dominate global conversations, the difficulty of holding space for opposing ideas in a polarized world, and the ever-thin line between comedy and offence.
One particularly striking part of the conversation is Chimamanda’s reflection on why she has chosen to remain off social media, despite her global influence — a decision rooted in a desire to protect her voice and avoid performative noise.
Whether you’re a long-time fan of Chimamanda’s work or just discovering Dream Count, this podcast episode offers a thoughtful, honest, and at times humorous look into the mind of one of the most important literary voices of our time.
Watch the full episode below and dive into the world of Dream Count — a novel that challenges, inspires, and marks a new chapter in Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s remarkable career.