“One of the most vital and original novelists of her generation.” –Larissa MacFarquhar, The New Yorker From the bestselling author of Americanah and We Should All Be Feminists Fifteen-year-old Kambili and her older brother Jaja lead a privileged life in Enugu, Nigeria. They live in a beautiful house, with a caring family, and attend an exclusive missionary school. They’re completely shielded … exclusive missionary school. They’re completely shielded from the troubles of the world. Yet, as Kambili reveals in her tender-voiced account, things are less perfect than they appear. Although her Papa is generous and well respected, he is fanatically religious and tyrannical at home–a home that is silent and suffocating.
As the country begins to fall apart under a military coup, Kambili and Jaja are sent to their aunt, a university professor outside the city, where they discover a life beyond the confines of their father’s authority. Books cram the shelves, curry and nutmeg permeate the air, and their cousins’ laughter rings throughout the house. When they return home, tensions within the family escalate, and Kambili must find the strength to keep her loved ones together.
Purple Hibiscus is an exquisite novel about the emotional turmoil of adolescence, the powerful bonds of family, and the bright promise of freedom.
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This coming of age story with its background of religious excess and familial abuse is painful to read. The atmosphere is oppressive. I struggled to get into the story and almost put it down, but I’m glad I stuck with it. Adichie writes beautifully; I’m a fan. Purple Hibiscus, (her first novel), hit me at a gut level in a way that her later, more …
**spoiler alert**
When I first started reading this book I was sincerely worried that it would be a slow read. It ended up being a profoundly beautiful novel. Kambili’s diverse relationship with all of her family members made the novel feel captivating and real. Kambili’s struggle to understand her father’s faith and her grandfather’s and …
It’s hardly a revelation to say that Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie writes really good books, but in case anyone was still in doubt, allow me to reiterate that Chimamanda Ngozie Adichie writes really good books. Purple Hibiscus is the coming of age story of Kambili, a fifteen year old girl Nigerian girl whose life is ruled by her authoritarian father, …
I had a hard time getting into this and rooting for the main character, 15 year old Kambili. She didn’t have any confidence and didn’t speak up, seemingly separate from the action. The story was interesting and eventually I ended up enjoying it. I think it would have been interesting to discuss at my book club, but thanks to Covid that never …
I love Chimamanda’s writing style, her easy pros and vivid description. You can almost touch the characters in your mind and feel their feelings
Some readers see my books as anti-religion. Others ask me if the heroine is God. When I began writing my first novel, religion was the farthest thing from my mind. I was focused on romance, adventure and sci-fi elements that could bring some magic to my story.
I’ve abhorred organized religion for many years and many reasons. I’ve particularly …
I enjoyed this book, Adiche uses very simple language and beautiful imagery. I love her writing!