By Hannah Thorpe
Purple hibiscus flower sketch - taken from Pinterest
Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a compelling coming-of-age novel that explores themes of family, freedom, and the complexities of faith and politics in Nigeria. We meet the main character, Kamibli, as a very shy and timid 15-year-old, reluctant to speak and stuck under the control of her strict Catholic father, who she desperately longs to please. Her brother, Jaja, seems to be perfect, especially to their oppressive Catholic father, Eugene. They live under his shadow, fearing regular beatings as part of their ‘lessons’ on how to become more devout, with a schedule of prayer and hard work.
When Nigeria falls under a military coup, Eugene sends Kambili and Jaja to stay with their Aunt Ifeoma in the town of Nsukka. Though humble, Aunty Ifeoma’s house is happy, filled with laughter, opinions, and freedom. As Kambili says, “You could say anything at any time to anyone.” The novel delves into the impact of this newly found freedom on Kambili and Jaja, leading to their awakening and eventual rebellion against their father's tyranny.
Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie - Taken from: X
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's writing is evocative and descriptive, bringing the settings and characters to life with vivid detail. The novel addresses the intersection of personal and political turmoil, capturing the tensions of post-colonial Nigeria and the impact of military rule on individual lives. Kambili, as a narrator, was fantastic. She had the innocence of a child mixed with the growing knowledge of a young woman. The fact that throughout the book, she worshipped her father also showed the twisted kind of heroism he played in her life.
I loved the representation of the two families in this book. You have Kambili’s ‘home’ – full of oppression and grief, and ruled by a tyrant. Then, there is Aunt Ifeoma, who has very little money and double the number of children, but everyone feels safe and happy, ruling the house as the ultimate matriarch. Kambili and Jaja come to realise that money is not everything, and although Aunt Ifeoma sometimes does not have enough money for basic needs, she never fails to make her children happy. While living with her Aunt, Kambili becomes much more outgoing. She is allowed to choose her own schedule for the first time, allowed to wear trousers instead of dresses, allowed to play football with the boys and allowed to help her Aunt do the cooking. I loved watching the progression of Kambili, and the way she began to open up.
Purple Hibiscus is a thought-provoking book that examines the costs of silence and the power of finding one's voice. This book placed me in the centre of Nigerian culture and the ending was amazing and left me feeling satisfied, yet wanting more. It is a story of resilience, growth, and the enduring strength of family bonds, making it a highly recommended read.
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