Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #244 in Books
• Published on: 2005-02-07
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

Sunday Times
'Deceptively simple in outline, Adichie's limpidly narrated novel is rich in domestic detail and quietly emotional symbolism.'

The Guardian
"Perceptive characterisation and an evocative portrayal of a fast-changing country, mark this Orange-shortlisted novel out from the crowd."

The Times
'It's a mature coming-of-age story, and an engrossing portrait of Nigerian society.'

Customer Reviews

Tense, absorbing
As the previous reviewers have noted, Purple Hibiscus became completely addictive and I ended up finishing it at 1am. The characters are absorbing, although at first I couldn't really empathise with Kambili, especially during some of the earlier scenes with her cousin Amaka, where she annoyed me with her complacency. However, as the book went on, Kambili changes and her relationship with her cousins improves.It goes without saying how brilliant the character of Eugene is.He is brutal yet still commands the love of his children and his fanatical view of the Catholic faith affects every move Eugene makes.He believes everything, including excluding his father from his life and domestic violence, will eventually lead to salvation. Eugene is very complex,and he cannot be simply labelled as "evil" or "bad".

I thought the relationship between Kambili and the Father was particularly wonderful. Some of the scenes between them are just charged yet Adichie still manages to convey a sense of bittersweetness about the relationship.

The book has some incredibly tense moments in it and is just generally a fantastic book. Read it soon!

A must read for all...
When I got a recommendation to read this book, I honestly thought it would be another one of those books attempting to paint a foul picture of religion and although I am not a religious fanatic, I prefer to stay clear.
This book has indeed opened my eyes in a way other books I have read have not. The innocent love of Kambili... along with the teasing Father Amadi makes this book so surreal and wonderful that you feel yourself strangely present at the scene, like an invincible spectator. Gracefully written and far from 'backyard snob'! Good job!

Heartbreaking
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's triumphs with her first book which is engrossing for those who love evocative, emotional stories.

The very sad and harrowing story is told against the backdrop of Nigeria's political upheaval in the 1960s. Kambili, a 15 year old girl is subjected to a daily, stifling ritual that has been set by her father, a fanatical follower of Catholicism who is also brutal towards his children and wife.

I felt so desperately sad for Kambili and her brother Jaja because they are voiceless as well as oppressed and are routinely subjected to domestic brutality that belies the familiy's outward appearance. Instead of being a refuge, their home is a prison and you want them to escape. Thankfully, a momentary release comes in the guise of their Aunt, their father's sister and both children realise that their domestic situation is not normal nor acceptable. The story unfolds with an unexpected turn of events and at the end, you wonder if Kambili or Jaja will ever find peace or true happiness.

A heartbreaking but thought-provoking tale.