Reviews

Blauer Hibiskus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

bekahjean13's review against another edition

emotional sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.5

danimcthomas's review against another edition

reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

I wanted to love it more. Adichie nails abusive fathers and the associated family dynamic, but the pacing of the book was not right. I loved the journey the two main characters go on emotionally, but idk… it just never quite crested over into greatness. It was so close to being spectacular that the disappointment that it never quite got there overshadows what I loved about the book.
Also the ending was a real let down. Bleak, for sure.

emi_dilli's review against another edition

5.0

So gripping I finished it in just over a day. Adiche’s storytelling is magical. I had to keep reminding myself to breathe. Purple Hibiscus is set a world apart from my own, but the characters were so real and relatable I felt like I had met them in person.

A big trigger warning for people with abusive parents and enabling parents. This book made me realise things about my own family and my childhood that had never occurred to me. Adiche manages to perfectly capture the way that abusive parents’ voices remain in your mind even when physically apart.

lethani's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

adelevarley's review against another edition

4.0

Purple Hibiscus really resonated with me, but I think that this is far from Adichie's best.

3.5- read for HRS 358

maruesli's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

kelly_inthe419's review against another edition

5.0

Purple Hibiscus is the first book by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichi, and the first one I've read by her. This is a tight, thought provoking and heartbreaking story of a young girl's coming of age in Nigeria during a time of immense political upheaval. It is narrated by 15-year old Kambili who lives a life of wealth and privilege and private schooling with her parents and older brother. But while her fanatically religious father is a generous pillar of the community and the key donor to the Catholic church, at home he is a tyrant. There is no joy or laughter in this home and my heart broke for Kambili and her brother, Jaja, and her mother who endured unimaginable loss.

But one day her aunt and cousins visit, and Kambili's aunt persuades her father to allow the children to visit her for a week. It is mana from heaven and despite the reduced living conditions, Kambili and Jaja learn there is so much more to life than fear and religion. There is laughter and conversation and love - and a kindly missionary priest whom Kambili grows to love. This is a well written and in depth look at family dynamics and love and watching Kambili grow into herself is heartwarming and welcome. While parts of this story are difficult to read it is ultimately a hopeful ending. I really enjoyed this one and can't wait to read more by Adichie.

annalmc's review against another edition

4.0

hope kambili is doing better

kittynovaaaa's review against another edition

3.0

3.0

let’s pretend i like this

evettedionne's review against another edition

4.0

Amazing read that I will return to again after I finish Abichie's canon.