adichie chimamanda ngozi purple hibiscus

Here, the key point of the book, Kambili learns to be liberal, open and voice her opinions. Her cousin, Amaka, mocks her and sneers her rich lifestyle. Kambili, who is used to lavish living, struggles to adjust there. Kambili lives in a silent world created by her father and Aunty Ifeoma’s place is extremely noisy, full of laughter and warmth. Upon her insistence, Eugene allows Kambili and Jaja to stay with her in Nsukka.Īt Aunty Ifeoma’s place, Kambili and Jaja are introduced to a totally different lifestyle from what they are used to.

But after Aunty Ifeoma’s arrival, life changes for Kambili and Jaja. The first few pages of the book are about Kambili and her family.Īs the book progresses, the story gets really interesting. The book starts with a dispute between Jaja and Eugene. He broke the etagere on his wife’s belly, who was pregnant. He pours boiling hot water on Kambili’s feet because she slept in the same room where a heathen, his father was sleeping. He often subjects his wife and his children to beatings and psychological cruelty. He is not on talking terms with his father because he is a Pagan or a heathen. To the outside world, he is a very generous person. He has control over the house and their lives. Kambili’s father is a religious fanatic and very strict. Kambili lives with her family which include her parents, Eugene and Beatrice, and her brother Jaja.

Purple Hibiscus is a powerful book which explores many themes like fanatiscism and coming of age. The book is set in post colonial Nigeria, which was beset by political instability. This was my second book which was set in Nigeria, the first being A man of the people by Chinua Achebe. I am amazed at how ignorant are we about Africa and African literature.

Adichie chimamanda ngozi purple hibiscus