Adichie thinks that narratives have power, which she defines as the ability to not just convey another person's experience, but to make it the canonical story of that individual. A good narrative has the power to persuade and influence people even after it is told. A great narrative has the power to change people's lives. She also believes that stories are vital for society to function properly. They help us understand what is important in life and why we should pursue certain goals. Without these common understanding and guidance from stories, humanity would be left at a loss of how to act toward one another and would fall back on violence when necessary. As a storyteller herself, Adichie wants readers to believe that stories can heal and transform individuals and societies. Through her own stories and those of other women writers, she hopes to show how common experiences can lead to happiness, wisdom, and strength.