Title: Purple Hibiscus
Author: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
This was the second book that I have read by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, the first was half of the yellow sun, which was a literary masterpiece, I was intrigued by the humour in the novel, she effortlessly found a way to make me fall in love with the characters, from that point on I wanted to know more about her personally and the novels she has written therefore I began reading purple hibiscus which was also a literary masterpiece, but it does quite live up to half of the yellow sun(look I’m not complaining). I was engrossed by Kamibli and her fairly simple life in Nigeria.
Told from Kambili’s perspective, this book is heart-breaking to say the least, and how the family was trapped in a cycle of abuse in the hands of a man expected to care of them. It was a devastating read, as Adichie perfectly captures the way Kambili, her brother Jaja and her mother are under the illusion their father treats them this way because he loves them ; fearing his wrath and disapproval. Some scenes were difficult to comprehend and read, and Adichie doesn’t flint from the abuse.
Purple hibiscus shows how the family was engulfed by religion, and the darker side of religion and the good side of religion and the solace it can offer people. There’s also an inside look at the political coups of the country and, while not really the main focus of the story.
Lovely, concise, and impactful and while not as richly evocative as Half of the yellow sun, if you are looking for a female coming-of-age story and sharp eye for familial relationship, both good and bad then this is the book for you.
