Marriages (Motif)
In many of the stories throughout the collection, the characters are either married or engaged to be married. In most of these instances, the relationships are troubled and the wives are deeply unhappy. Nkem is disheartened by her husband's unfaithfulness, Kamara has grown distant from her husband ever since she joined him in America, and Chinaza realizes that she is not happy with her arranged marriage to Ofodile. This motif demonstrates the strain that immigration can have on personal relationships. When confronted with the expectations and pressures of a new and foreign society, personal relationships can suffer and people can grow apart.
Government Corruption (Motif)
Many of the stories are set in a violent, post-colonial Nigerian society. In these stories, government forces are corrupt and repeatedly repress citizen's rights. In "The American Embassy," the protagonist's entire life is turned upside down when her husband must flee from the oppressive government regime. Later, her son is killed by government forces. Although she attempts to flee from the oppressive Nigerian government, she is confronted by the corruption prevalent in the American bureaucratic system. Similarly, in "Cell One," the narrator describes how the Nigerian prison system is corrupt and how the officers can be bribed to give prisoners preferential treatment.
The Plane Crash (Symbol)
The plane crash in "The Shivering" is a symbol for how tragedy can bring people together. Although Ukumaka and Chinedu live in the same apartment building, the two Nigerians have never met before. After the news of the plane crash, Chinedu knocks on Ukumaka's door in order to find sympathy and comfort in his neighbor. Ukumaka is also inspired to reach out to her ex-boyfriend, Udenna, so that she can confirm he is safe. The tragic event reveals the vulnerability of all characters.
Food (Motif)
Food appears in many of the stories throughout the collection. In "The Shivering," Ukumaka talks about how she used to prepare food in a special way for Udenna. Even though they have since broken up, Ukumaka continues to prepare the traditional Nigerian dish in the way that Udenna likes. Ukumaka also prepares food for Chinedu in her apartment, thus reminding him of home. In "The Arrangers of Marriage," Ofodile grows mad at Chinaza for cooking Nigerian food and causing the entire building to smell of spices. In both stories, food represents cultural ties, identity, and family.
Blank Fortune Cookie (Symbol)
In "The Thing Around Your Neck," Akunna goes on a date at a Chinese restaurant. After the meal, she finds that her fortune cookie is blank. Akunna is looking for signs to indicate that she is on the right path in America. She feels lost and unsupportive, and she feels uneasy about her new relationship. The blank fortune is a symbol that Akunna must take control of her life and set her own course. She cannot look for others for approval or guidance.
