Ifemelu spends her first summer in America living in Brooklyn, where she forms a belief that her encounter with the "real America" will truly begin once she attends university.
Ifemelu's Initial American Experience
During her first summer, Ifemelu's experience is characterized by her physical location, her anticipatory mindset, and her social connections. She navigates this period with a specific expectation for her future in the United States.
Key Aspects of Her Summer
- Location: Ifemelu resides in Brooklyn, immersing herself in the local environment of the borough.
- Mindset: She holds a distinct belief that the authentic American experience, the "real America," is something she will only discover and fully engage with once she begins her university studies. This suggests a period of observation and waiting rather than immediate integration.
- Social Connections: Ifemelu builds a significant bond with a neighboring couple, Jane and Marlon, who are from Grenada. This connection highlights her interactions within a specific immigrant community.
- Family Dynamics: The children of Jane and Marlon frequently play with Dike, indicating a close-knit, informal community interaction that extends to her family.
This period serves as an introduction to American life, viewed through the lens of her immediate surroundings and her personal expectations for the future.
