Introduction
DK Nnuro's debut novel "What Napoleon Could Not Do" is a compelling exploration of identity, family relationships, and the complex ties between Africa and America. Set between Ghana and the United States, the story follows the lives of two siblings, Belinda and Jacob Nti, as they grapple with their dreams, disappointments, and the ever-present question of belonging.
The title of the book comes from a phrase often used by Mr. Nti, the father of Belinda and Jacob. He would say someone had "done what Napoleon could not do" as the highest form of praise, referring to conquering places and achieving things that even the great French emperor could only dream of. For the characters in this novel, America represents that unconquerable dream - a symbol of success, opportunity, and a larger life.
Through the intertwining stories of Belinda, Jacob, and those around them, Nnuro delves into the ambivalence and dissonance inherent in the African-American experience. He examines the space between identities, the struggle to bridge two worlds, and the ways in which distance - both physical and emotional - can alter perceptions and relationships.
Part 1: Divorce
The story begins in Kumasi, Ghana's second-largest city, where we are introduced to Mr. Nti and his son Jacob. Mr. Nti receives a phone call from his daughter Belinda, who lives in America. As they talk, Mr. Nti praises Belinda's achievements, saying she has done what Napoleon could not do by conquering America. However, Belinda remains uncertain, still waiting for her green card to secure her place in the US.
Jacob, overhearing the conversation, feels the sting of comparison to his more successful sister. At 40 years old, Jacob is about to finalize his divorce from Patricia, a Ghanaian-born nurse living in America. Their marriage had been arranged by Belinda, who saw it as an opportunity for Jacob to move to the United States.
The novel provides insight into Ashanti culture, explaining the traditional divorce ceremony where families meet to air grievances before officially ending the marriage. Mr. Nti and his brothers prepare to defend Jacob's honor, even though they recognize his shortcomings.
We learn that Jacob's marriage to Patricia was doomed from the start. Despite multiple attempts, Jacob failed to secure a visa to join his wife in America. Patricia waited for five years, sending money to support Jacob, but eventually found a new partner in the US. Jacob's inability to pass the visa interview and tests becomes a symbol of his larger struggles and perceived inadequacies.
This section sets up the central conflict of the novel - the divide between those who have "conquered" America and those left behind. It also introduces the theme of family dynamics, particularly sibling rivalry, which will play a significant role throughout the story.
Part 2: Jacob
The second part of the novel delves deeper into Jacob's character and his struggles in the aftermath of his divorce. We see him spiraling into apathy and nihilism, skipping work and spending his evenings drinking in seedy bars. Mr. Nti attempts to help his son, reminding him of his previous desire for Patricia - or rather, for America, as the two have become synonymous in Jacob's mind.
Jacob's bitterness towards his sister Belinda intensifies. He accuses her of being disturbed, questioning why she stayed in America even during their mother's funeral. In his eyes, Belinda's relentless pursuit of success in America has become an obsession, a way to prove that there's nothing she cannot achieve.
Through a series of flashbacks, we gain insight into Jacob's state of mind at the beginning of his marriage five years earlier. While more hopeful then, there was always an underlying ambivalence about his desire to join Patricia in America. During one of his visa interviews, Jacob's confusion and inability to communicate effectively lead to suspicion and ultimately, rejection.
Nnuro paints a vivid picture of Jacob's character, revealing his repressed sexuality and preference for sadomasochistic relationships with women. This desire to be dominated and punished conflicts with his perception of how a man should behave, contributing to his inability to express himself fully in any aspect of his life.
The author uses Jacob's story to explore the concept of America as a symbol of ability and possibility. For many Ghanaian characters in the novel, America represents the chance for a larger, more fulfilling life. With each visa rejection, Jacob becomes more embittered by his constrained existence in Ghana, feeling trapped in a state of child-like dependency.
The dynamics of sibling rivalry play a crucial role in this section. Nnuro shows how each child in a family competes to define themselves as individuals, struggling to differentiate themselves from their siblings. In the case of the Nti children, America becomes the battlefield on which this war of self-definition is fought. Jacob's divorce marks his final defeat in this contest, cementing Belinda's position as the sibling who has truly conquered America.
Jacob's ambivalence about America is complex. On one hand, it can be seen as a case of "sour grapes" - rejecting what he cannot have. On the other hand, there's a suggestion that Jacob may have unconsciously sabotaged his chances of joining Patricia in America. By destroying the marriage and life that Belinda arranged for him, Jacob finds a way to inflict a defeat on his sister, the one person who seems capable of achieving anything.
This section of the novel provides a poignant exploration of the psychological impact of unfulfilled dreams and the weight of familial expectations. It shows how the idea of America can become both a beacon of hope and a source of bitter disappointment, shaping identities and relationships in profound ways.
Part 3: Belinda
The third part of the novel shifts focus to Belinda, offering a different perspective on the American dream and the realities of life as an African immigrant in the United States. Nnuro uses this section to explore how distance can alter perceptions, both literal distance across the Atlantic Ocean and the metaphorical distance between expectations and reality.
We find Belinda in Washington, DC, in 2011, on her way to a wedding. Her appearance - with vivid red hair and wearing a dress made of kente cloth - symbolizes the blending of her Ghanaian heritage with her American life. The bride, Edith, is a childhood friend from Kumasi, and their shared history provides insight into Belinda's journey to America.
Through Belinda's reflections, we learn about her marriage to Wilder, a wealthy Black businessman twenty years her senior. Their union was initially one of convenience, allowing Belinda to stay in America when her student visa expired. Over time, however, their relationship has evolved, and Wilder has become a significant influence on Belinda's perception of America.
A key moment in their relationship occurred on the night of Barack Obama's election in 2008. While Belinda saw it as a cause for celebration, Wilder's reaction was markedly different. He smashed the champagne bottles Belinda had prepared, declaring that Obama's presidency was a trick by white people, setting up Black people for an even harsher fall. This incident marks a turning point in Belinda's understanding of America, forcing her to confront the complexities and contradictions of race relations in her adopted country.
Despite her outward success, Belinda still struggles with feelings of insecurity and not belonging. Her inability to secure a green card becomes a source of constant anxiety, symbolizing her precarious position in American society. Even with her degrees and her husband's wealth, Belinda feels that without official recognition of her right to stay, she remains an outsider.
Nnuro uses Belinda's story to explore the dual nature of the American dream for immigrants. On one hand, America offers opportunities and the chance for a better life. On the other, it can be cruel and capricious, simultaneously encouraging hopes and dashing them. This duality is encapsulated in Belinda's experience: America recognizes her talents and gives her access to privileged spaces, only to remind her that she's not truly "one of us" by withholding the green card.
This section of the novel provides a nuanced look at the immigrant experience in America, particularly for those from Africa. It shows how the promise of America can be both fulfilling and frustrating, and how the pursuit of the American dream can shape one's identity and relationships. Through Belinda's story, Nnuro illustrates the complex interplay between hope and disillusionment, belonging and alienation that characterizes the lives of many immigrants.
Part 4: Wilder
The fourth part of the novel focuses on Wilder, Belinda's husband, providing a deeper exploration of his character and the experiences that have shaped his worldview. This section adds another layer to the novel's examination of identity, race, and the American experience, this time from the perspective of a Black American man who has lived through some of the most tumultuous periods in recent U.S. history.
Wilder's story begins with his decision to enlist in the Vietnam War, despite having the means and connections to avoid the draft. Born into a wealthy Texan family and educated at Princeton, Wilder had already made a name for himself in the oil industry with his innovative idea to harness gas from oil wells for electricity generation. His choice to go to war stems from a complex mix of guilt and a desire to prove himself.
In Vietnam, Wilder experiences a profound sense of alienation. Among the predominantly white oil industry executives, he had felt acutely aware of his Blackness. Among Black soldiers, however, he feels almost white due to his privileged background and education. This disconnect is poignantly illustrated when news of Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination reaches the troops. While the other Black soldiers mourn deeply, Wilder finds himself unable to join in their grief, retreating in shame to his tent.
The turning point in Wilder's life comes during a harrowing experience in the war. Sent into a guerilla tunnel due to his shorter stature, Wilder is severely injured in the ensuing fight. He wakes up in a hospital, having cheated death, feeling as if he's been reborn with a new, fiercer soul.
After his recovery, Wilder doesn't return home but instead treks into the Laotian jungle, where he settles in a small village. For five years, he lives there under constant American bombardment, falling in love with a Laotian woman and raising a neighbor's child as his own. This period of his life comes to a tragic end when the child is killed by a cluster bomb - one of millions dropped by American forces.
Overwhelmed by grief and guilt, Wilder flees, driven by an instinct to protect his loved ones from the death that seems to follow him. The next clear memory he has is of being in New York, transformed into a figure reminiscent of a prophet, with a wild beard and a heart full of rage and sorrow.
This section of the novel provides crucial context for understanding Wilder's character and his influence on Belinda. His experiences in Vietnam and Laos have left deep scars, shaping his perspective on America and race relations. The trauma he has endured helps explain his cynical reaction to Obama's election and his complex relationship with his own country.
Wilder's story also serves as a powerful commentary on the Vietnam War and its impact on both individuals and nations. It highlights the devastating effects of American foreign policy on Southeast Asian countries and the psychological toll on those who fought in the war.
Moreover, Wilder's journey touches on themes of identity and belonging that echo throughout the novel. His feelings of alienation among both white and Black Americans, his time living in a Laotian village, and his eventual return to America all speak to the complexity of defining one's place in the world.
By delving into Wilder's past, Nnuro adds depth to the novel's exploration of the African-American experience. Wilder's story shows how historical events and personal traumas can shape an individual's worldview and relationships, providing another perspective on the themes of identity, race, and the American dream that run throughout the book.
Part 5: Reconciliation
The final part of the novel brings the various threads of the story together, offering a glimmer of hope for reconciliation among the characters. It begins with news traveling across the Atlantic: Alfred, the son of Jacob and Belinda's younger brother Robert, has died.
Alfred had been a unifying force in the Nti family, bridging the gaps between the estranged siblings and smoothing over tensions between generations. His death necessitates Belinda's return to Ghana for the funeral, despite the risk this poses to her chances of obtaining a green card. Wilder, showing his support, decides to accompany her, saying they will figure things out from there.
This section of the novel provides a poignant reminder of how family ties can transcend distance and disagreements. Despite the conflicts and resentments that have built up over the years, the death of a loved one brings the family back together, if only temporarily.
After the funeral, during a conversation on the terrace of the family home in Kumasi, Wilder expresses to Mr. Nti that Ghana feels like home to him. He then shares his thoughts on using the gas from Ghana's offshore oil rigs to generate electricity, addressing the country's frequent power shortages. This idea mirrors the innovation that launched Wilder's career in the American oil industry years ago.
Wilder's interest in contributing to Ghana's development marks a significant moment in the novel. It suggests a potential bridging of the gap between America and Africa that has been at the heart of the story's conflicts. By bringing his American expertise to bear on Ghanaian problems, Wilder symbolically connects the two worlds that have been so divisive for the Nti family.
Moreover, Wilder allows Jacob to believe that the idea about the turbines came from him. This white lie serves as a peace offering, giving Jacob a sense of value and importance that he has long craved. Jacob, warming to his brother-in-law, expresses interest in working on the project together.
In this interaction, we see the potential for Jacob's reconciliation not just with Wilder, but possibly with Belinda as well. Jacob references his father's saying about doing "what Napoleon could not do," suggesting that bringing light to a nation would surely qualify. This shows a shift in Jacob's perspective - instead of resenting the accomplishments of others, he's now considering how he might achieve something significant himself.
The novel ends on a note of cautious optimism. Jacob asks Wilder to tell Belinda that he hasn't yet figured out how to talk to her. This admission is a small but significant step, acknowledging that the rift between them is not solely Belinda's fault. It suggests that Jacob is beginning to recognize his own role in their estrangement and is open to the possibility of reconciliation.
This final section of the novel brings several of its key themes full circle. The idea of "doing what Napoleon could not do" takes on new meaning, shifting from a source of resentment to a potential goal for collaboration. The division between Africa and America, which has been so central to the story, begins to blur as characters consider how knowledge and experiences from one place might benefit the other.
Most importantly, this section offers a nuanced view of reconciliation. Nnuro doesn't present a neat, happily-ever-after ending, but rather shows the small, tentative steps that can lead towards healing long-standing rifts. The possibility of Jacob and Belinda working together on Wilder's energy project in Ghana presents a way for them to reconnect on neutral ground, potentially bridging the gap that America has created between them.
Final Thoughts
"What Napoleon Could Not Do" is a rich, multilayered novel that explores the complexities of identity, family, and the immigrant experience. Through the intertwining stories of Belinda, Jacob, and Wilder, DK Nnuro presents a nuanced examination of the relationship between Africa and America, and how this relationship shapes individual lives and family dynamics.
The novel's title, referring to Mr. Nti's highest form of praise, serves as a recurring motif throughout the story. Initially, it represents the seemingly impossible dream of conquering America - a feat that Belinda appears to have achieved, much to Jacob's resentment. By the end of the novel, however, the phrase takes on new meaning, suggesting the possibility of using skills and experiences gained in America to make positive changes in Ghana.
One of the novel's key strengths is its exploration of the dual nature of the American dream for African immigrants. America is presented as both a land of opportunity and a source of disillusionment. For Belinda, it offers education and career success but withholds the security of permanent residency. For Jacob, it remains an unattainable goal, a constant reminder of his perceived inadequacies. Through these contrasting experiences, Nnuro illustrates the complex and often contradictory nature of the immigrant experience.
The author also provides a thoughtful examination of family dynamics, particularly sibling relationships. The rivalry between Belinda and Jacob is at the heart of the story, showing how success and failure, real or perceived, can drive wedges between family members. Yet, the novel also shows the enduring nature of family ties, as seen in the way Alfred's death brings the family together and opens up the possibility of reconciliation.
Wilder's character adds another layer to the novel's exploration of identity and belonging. His experiences as a Black American, including his time in Vietnam and Laos, provide a different perspective on race relations and the impact of American foreign policy. His relationship with Belinda and his eventual connection with Jacob demonstrate the potential for bridging cultural and experiential gaps.
Throughout the novel, Nnuro masterfully uses the concept of distance - both physical and emotional - to shape his characters' perceptions and relationships. The Atlantic Ocean that separates Ghana and America becomes a metaphor for the psychological distance between characters, between expectations and reality, and between different aspects of individual identities.
The novel's structure, moving between different characters' perspectives and time periods, allows for a comprehensive exploration of its themes. Each section provides new insights and connections, gradually building a complex picture of the characters' lives and relationships.
In conclusion, "What Napoleon Could Not Do" is a compelling debut that tackles big themes with sensitivity and nuance. Nnuro's exploration of the space between African and American identities, the ambivalence of the immigrant experience, and the complexities of family relationships resonates long after the final page. The novel doesn't offer easy answers or neat resolutions, but instead presents a realistic and thought-provoking portrayal of the ongoing negotiation of identity and belonging in a globalized world.
By ending on a note of cautious hope, with the possibility of reconciliation between Belinda and Jacob, Nnuro suggests that bridging divides - whether between siblings, cultures, or nations - is possible, even if it requires time, understanding, and small steps. The novel leaves readers with much to ponder about the nature of success, the meaning of home, and the power of family ties to both divide and unite across vast distances.