GraceLand as a Bildungsroman

As far as a coming-of-age novel, GraceLand is not a typical one. Though Elvis certainly does age and change, the transformation is not fully realized. Instead he leaves for America, where the true coming-of-age will have to take place. In a way, it is as if the novel suggests that there is not such thing as one instant that creates an adult from a youth. Instead it is a steady progression of events. Even if it is Elvis' story, it is also a kind of bildungsroman for Sunday, and perhaps even Nigeria. Particularly at the end, Sunday makes an effort to regain his pride and self-worth by standing up for Maroko, looking out for Elvis, and fighting for his own rights. Perhaps Abani is calling for a kind of "maturation" for Nigeria, where the country, like Sunday, must learn to take care of itself, as well as it's sons and daughters.