Structure

Adichie's Notes on Grief is divided into 30 short sections, each of which serves as a loving testament to the father she adored. Many of the sections are inspired by looking at old photos and videos. A description of the photo or video begins the section, and then Adichie's feelings flow freely. Adichie also embeds brief family tales within the larger structure of the section. Time is rather fluid in Notes on Grief; the present and past often coexist as Adichie writes short sections of flashback and memory. To signify her innermost feelings in the midst of a story, she employs italics. For instance, in the middle of a description of mgbalu, Igbo formal condolences, Adichie looks at all the visitors and thinks "Go home! Why are you coming to our house to write in that alien notebook [a condolence register]? How dare you make this thing true...