It follows two Nigerian characters, Ifemelu and Obinze, teenagers in love who drifts apart when Ifemelu left for America who despite her academic success she is forced to grapple with what it means to be black for the first time and thoughtful Obinze had hoped to join her but with the post-9/11 America closed to him, he instead entered into a dangerous ,undocumented life in London.

Its a story of relocation, far-flung love and life as an alien spread across three continents.  It is also about the lonely nut privileged perspective a stranger gains by entering a new culture. Ifemelu learns that the American dream is a lie and that the advantages she enjoys there come at a great price.