Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

  

Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (story summary)

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s ‘Purple Hibiscus’ tells the story of a young Nigerian

girl, Kambili, and her family relationships. In the tradition of a coming-of-age

novel, we have a sensitive portrayal of a fifteen year old’s sexual awakening

amidst family tensions, fears and religious oppression.

Throughout the novel, Adichie explores the themes of freedom, oppression, love,

hatred, tradition and a search for identity. Kambili’s complex relationship with

her strict, fundamentalist father is based on both love and fear, and all she ever

wanted was his approval and love. The arrival of the young priest, Father Amadi,

into Kambili’s life was actually an answer to all her prayers as she begins to

throw off the strictures of her unhealthy upbringing and develop into a young

woman with her own identity, self esteem and self respect.

This novel has much to offer students for further study. We are drawn into

Kambili’s world through the rich descriptions and evocative prose which enable

us to experience, almost taste, the oppressive heat, dust and physical smells of a

Nigeria in conflict. It deals with the themes of violence, domestic abuse and

religious fundamentalism in a sensitive manner that would provoke insight and

positive discussion with more senior pupils. It is an ‘African’ novel, but its themes are universal.

Verdict of irishparents: This is a well-written book and an interesting read for anyone who wishes to learn about Nigerian life, history and family traditions. Perfect for third level feminist literature studies but some teachers/parents might not feel this is the most suitable text for teenagers to study at second level with its strong anti-Father, anti-God/religion messages and repetitive physical brutality. Could be upsetting to sensitive students in the classroom so parental/teacher discretion is advised. Below are some reviews and story synopses:

 It's the story of two families of relatives, one ruled by a tyrannical and devoutly Catholic father, the other by a single mother, his sister, a rather more open-minded character. The story is told from the point of view of the daughter in the first family, the author describing very effectively how as a school-girl her eyes are opened by the experience of living with her aunt and cousins, and how she experiences her first pangs of passionate but platonic love. 

 (M.Upton (Amazon reviewer)

It is a story of ruthless ,repressive patriarchy ,Nigerian culture and religious practices, political turmoil and corruption yet at the same time beautifully woven romantic thoughts of a teenage girl.

Trishita Das (Amazon reviewer)

 ...They were burnt, their fingers brutally broken, they were beaten until they collapsed. But despite all this Kambili loved her father because that is how she was brought up. These punishments were not considered punishments by the child. For her, it was normal.....

Rajni Rethesh (Amazon reviewer)

.....But the oppressive atmosphere of the main characters’ family life compounded with their sickly, abusive relationships that went nowhere, felt too depressing for me. Most of the characters did not evolve much, and I finished the book with a heavy heart.

Monica Peinhero (Amazon reviewer)

Disappointed. Having read reviews expected a lot more from this book. Interesting book that had potential. Loved some of the descriptions and local flavour. However, felt the level of domestic violence and cruelty, along with repetition of the same was unnecessary. Lead characters felt under developed and at times seemed like caricatures. Contrast of dictatorship in Kambili’s home, to events in her country could have been explored in other more useful ways. Loved the complete contrast to her family, when she’s finally able to escape to spend time with her Aunt and cousins. Loved the vibrancy of her Aunt and that she wore her teacher hat all of the time. Hoped she’d learn more from spending time with them. Relieved that there was Father Amandi’s character in the story. He demonstrated love, kindness (as well as her Aunt’s family) and what the Christian faith should be about, verses her birth father’s extreme religious hypocritical behaviours, that are more about appearances to outside world, instead of about love. Would like to have seen more character development in the story. Would like to have left feeling that Kambili had learnt more from her direct families mistakes, so she could have a better future. The ending felt too rushed and was a bit predictable.

 Brown (Amazon reviewer)