In response to my friend’s request, I decided to write her a letter, which I hoped would be honest and practical, while also serving as a map of sorts for my own feminist thinking. This book is a version of that letter, with some details changed.”
-- Chimamanda Adichie (Introduction )

Importance: In this passage, the author offers an explanation for the form of this work, answering for the reader why her commentary on feminism takes shape in the form of a letter. Here, she emphasizes that the letter would be both “honest” and “practical” for Ijeawele, and implicitly, now for her new readers.

Dear Ijeawele, What joy. And what lovely names: Chizalum Adaora. She is so beautiful. Only a week old and she already looks curious about the world. What a magnificent thing you have done, bringing a human being into the world. ‘Congratulations’ feels too slight.”
-- Chimamanda Adichie (Beginning of letter )

Importance: This opening to her letter frames the...