Black history month reading group questions

The film Half of a Yellow Sun was effectively banned for a period of time in Nigeria as the censorship board delayed certification. It has been claimed this was due to the sympathetic portrayal of the Biafran separatist cause and the possibility of inciting distress. Did you find the book upsetting?

In the beginning of the book Kainene tells Richard Olanna means ‘God’s Gold’ whilst her name means ‘Let’s watch and see what next God will bring.’ She then goes on to tell him that she was born before her sister. What did you think of the relationship between Olanna and Kainene? Does Kainene change or develop as a character through the story?

Most of the characters in Half of a Yellow Sun experience inequality or discrimination in one form or another at some point in the text. Do you think that categories like class, gender and education make their experiences different?

Authorship is closely linked to the idea of authority in Half of a Yellow Sun. At the end of the book it is revealed that it is in fact Ugwu (and not Richard) who is the writer of the book referenced throughout the story. Are there any other ways that Chimamanda Ngozie Adichie challenges Western/European authority and historical interpretations?

Silence is another recurring theme. The title of the book written by Ugwu is ‘The world was silent when we died.’ Olanna is silent after witnessing the atrocities in Kano. How do you think silence is used in the story? Is it a tool of oppression, a way of defying authority or a means of communicating distress?