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jenny_hedberg's review against another edition
4.0
Purple Hibiscus is set in a politically unstable Nigeria. There is no set date for when the novel takes place but it is not set before 1973 (the characters in the novel pay with naira, a currency introduced in 1973). The narrator of the novel is the fifteen-year-old Kambili who lives with her fanatically catholic father, her mother and her older brother Jaja. In the first chapter the reader is thrown into a son’s rebellion against his father when Jaja does not go to communion on Palm Sunday. Kambili describes this as the moment when “things [start] to fall apart at home [...]”
By beginning the novel in medias res suspense is quickly built up as well as anticipation for what will happen next. In the chapter, Kambili reflects over the reasons for Jaja’s actions and what the effect of them will be. Her reflections makes the reader understand the severity of Jaja’s actions and foreshadows what will happen next or, to be exact, what has already happened. Kambili ends the chapter by introducing her aunt Ifeoma and her purple hibiscuses as a turning-point that lifted a silence pressed down on Kambili and her family by her father. She remembers this silence when her brother, mother and herself “spoke with [their] souls more than with [their] lips” and uses her aunt’s hibiscuses as a symbol of “a freedom to be, to do”. This immediately creates an interest for the reader to see how this aunt could so fundamentally change Kambili’s life and her way of thinking. Already, only at page 16, the reader has been thrown into a big conflict between Kambili’s father and her brother and been introduced to a family whose life is being turned upside-down.
Kambili’s life is thoroughly described throughout the novel. Ofe nsala; onugbu and egusi soup; utazi; and fufu are all dishes that Kambili mentions in the first chapter. Outside Kambili’s bedroom window there is a cashew tree and in the garden there are frangipani trees, bougainvillea, and hibiscus. Kambili never talks to her classmates after school as her father doesn’t approve of it and the mango tree outside her father’s bedroom window makes a banging noise against the glass when there are strong winds. These detailed descriptions of Kambili’s life in Nigeria draw the reader into the book by creating a familiar setting. In a way, they introduce the reader to Kambili’s world; the reader is made to feel like s/he knows Kambili’s family very well, as if the reader was a part of the family.
It is not only by drawing up the worlds that Kambili lives in that the reader is introduced to the novel. The tone that Kambili narrates the novel with says something about who she is. Throughout the chapter there is an unsettling fear in her narration; she is always on her toes, waiting for hell to break loose. When it does, the sentences shorten down into just a few words at a time, building up suspense. The reader can picture how Kambili freezes up, absolutely terrified of what is going on. These very short sentences are then alternated with long and winding ones that seem to avoid what is happening. Kambili’s mind is racing and all that she wants to think about is something else. Instead she is forced to witness the on-going conflict in her family and so does the reader through her eyes. When her father threw his missal at Jaja but hit the étagère with the ceramic figurines, “Jaja did not move. Papa swayed from side to side. [Kambili] stood at the door, watching them. The ceiling fan spun round and round, and the light bulbs attached to it clinked against one another” (Ngozi Adichie: 2003, page 7). The scene is written as if it was from a film; you can feel the intimidating silence in the room.
The first chapter changes Kambili’s life as it truly destroys her old one. As the title of the first chapter says “Breaking gods”, her brother Jaja’s rebellion against their father breaks the idea of God being the one and only solution, but also the idea of their father being the perfect and invincible man. Suddenly, Kambili sees the hint of light at the end of the tunnel and so does the reader. All the details and suspense in the first chapter build up a solid foundation that is complimented by the underlying tone of Kambili’s fear. By dealing with such a basic emotion as fear and doing it in a very subtle way at the same time as the chapter discusses domestic violence, the reader’s attention is caught. The insight that the first chapter gives in a young girl’s life provides the perfect take-off for the rest of the novel.
(This was all taken from a paper I wrote ages ago on the first chapter of Purple Hibiscus)
By beginning the novel in medias res suspense is quickly built up as well as anticipation for what will happen next. In the chapter, Kambili reflects over the reasons for Jaja’s actions and what the effect of them will be. Her reflections makes the reader understand the severity of Jaja’s actions and foreshadows what will happen next or, to be exact, what has already happened. Kambili ends the chapter by introducing her aunt Ifeoma and her purple hibiscuses as a turning-point that lifted a silence pressed down on Kambili and her family by her father. She remembers this silence when her brother, mother and herself “spoke with [their] souls more than with [their] lips” and uses her aunt’s hibiscuses as a symbol of “a freedom to be, to do”. This immediately creates an interest for the reader to see how this aunt could so fundamentally change Kambili’s life and her way of thinking. Already, only at page 16, the reader has been thrown into a big conflict between Kambili’s father and her brother and been introduced to a family whose life is being turned upside-down.
Kambili’s life is thoroughly described throughout the novel. Ofe nsala; onugbu and egusi soup; utazi; and fufu are all dishes that Kambili mentions in the first chapter. Outside Kambili’s bedroom window there is a cashew tree and in the garden there are frangipani trees, bougainvillea, and hibiscus. Kambili never talks to her classmates after school as her father doesn’t approve of it and the mango tree outside her father’s bedroom window makes a banging noise against the glass when there are strong winds. These detailed descriptions of Kambili’s life in Nigeria draw the reader into the book by creating a familiar setting. In a way, they introduce the reader to Kambili’s world; the reader is made to feel like s/he knows Kambili’s family very well, as if the reader was a part of the family.
It is not only by drawing up the worlds that Kambili lives in that the reader is introduced to the novel. The tone that Kambili narrates the novel with says something about who she is. Throughout the chapter there is an unsettling fear in her narration; she is always on her toes, waiting for hell to break loose. When it does, the sentences shorten down into just a few words at a time, building up suspense. The reader can picture how Kambili freezes up, absolutely terrified of what is going on. These very short sentences are then alternated with long and winding ones that seem to avoid what is happening. Kambili’s mind is racing and all that she wants to think about is something else. Instead she is forced to witness the on-going conflict in her family and so does the reader through her eyes. When her father threw his missal at Jaja but hit the étagère with the ceramic figurines, “Jaja did not move. Papa swayed from side to side. [Kambili] stood at the door, watching them. The ceiling fan spun round and round, and the light bulbs attached to it clinked against one another” (Ngozi Adichie: 2003, page 7). The scene is written as if it was from a film; you can feel the intimidating silence in the room.
The first chapter changes Kambili’s life as it truly destroys her old one. As the title of the first chapter says “Breaking gods”, her brother Jaja’s rebellion against their father breaks the idea of God being the one and only solution, but also the idea of their father being the perfect and invincible man. Suddenly, Kambili sees the hint of light at the end of the tunnel and so does the reader. All the details and suspense in the first chapter build up a solid foundation that is complimented by the underlying tone of Kambili’s fear. By dealing with such a basic emotion as fear and doing it in a very subtle way at the same time as the chapter discusses domestic violence, the reader’s attention is caught. The insight that the first chapter gives in a young girl’s life provides the perfect take-off for the rest of the novel.
(This was all taken from a paper I wrote ages ago on the first chapter of Purple Hibiscus)
avidreader76's review against another edition
emotional
sad
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
4.0
faizastra's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
ljrobt's review against another edition
dark
emotional
inspiring
slow-paced
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
edshara's review against another edition
4.0
This was wonderful!!
The writing was simple yet effective, the plot was engaging and kept me wanting more. The characters were realistic and, in some ways, very relatable.
It was interesting to see how one, very dominant personality, shaped the thoughts and actions of those around him. This man so impacted everyone around him that his family craved his affection and attention even though they knew he was a monster and those around them willingly looked the other way. This was so insightful and a good depiction of what actually goes on.
I’m not sure how I felt about one of the relationships Kambili had with an adult. While I understand it was coming from an adolescent perspective, it seemed like it could have easily been seen as inappropriate. I liked the ending but I did think it was a little to easy for some of the characters. If you’re easily triggered by abuse stories, I would stay away, otherwise, I would highly recommend this. Adichie may very well become one of my favorite authors.
The writing was simple yet effective, the plot was engaging and kept me wanting more. The characters were realistic and, in some ways, very relatable.
It was interesting to see how one, very dominant personality, shaped the thoughts and actions of those around him. This man so impacted everyone around him that his family craved his affection and attention even though they knew he was a monster and those around them willingly looked the other way. This was so insightful and a good depiction of what actually goes on.
I’m not sure how I felt about one of the relationships Kambili had with an adult. While I understand it was coming from an adolescent perspective, it seemed like it could have easily been seen as inappropriate. I liked the ending but I did think it was a little to easy for some of the characters. If you’re easily triggered by abuse stories, I would stay away, otherwise, I would highly recommend this. Adichie may very well become one of my favorite authors.
mai_books_nature's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Violence, Religious bigotry, Physical abuse, Domestic abuse, and Miscarriage
suvata's review against another edition
5.0
#MMD Book Club April 2019 pick
After being converted to Catholicism by missionaries as a child in Nigeria, Eugene grows to be a religious zealot and a very violent man toward his family. The story is told through the 15-year-old Kambili and her older brother, Jaja. There is hell to pay at home for any indiscretion But Kambili and Jaja enjoy periods of rest and peace on frequent trips to stay with their much more level headed and non-fanatical Aunty Ifeoma. So sad and somehow hopeful.
After being converted to Catholicism by missionaries as a child in Nigeria, Eugene grows to be a religious zealot and a very violent man toward his family. The story is told through the 15-year-old Kambili and her older brother, Jaja. There is hell to pay at home for any indiscretion But Kambili and Jaja enjoy periods of rest and peace on frequent trips to stay with their much more level headed and non-fanatical Aunty Ifeoma. So sad and somehow hopeful.
rebecanunez's review against another edition
4.0
"La flor púrpura" de Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie es una novela conmovedora y poderosa que explora la vida de una joven nigeriana y las complejidades de su identidad en un contexto cultural y político desafiante. Publicada en 2003, la obra es la segunda novela de Adichie y ha recibido elogios por su narrativa rica y sus temas impactantes.
La historia sigue la vida de Kambili, una adolescente criada en una familia adinerada pero atormentada por su padre fanáticamente religioso y abusivo. A través de la narración en primera persona, los lectores son testigos de las luchas de Kambili mientras busca su voz y su identidad en medio de la opresión y las expectativas impuestas por su entorno.
Adichie teje hábilmente los hilos de la historia, explorando temas complejos como la religión, la política y la opresión patriarcal en Nigeria. La trama se desenvuelve en un trasfondo histórico y político tumultuoso, ofreciendo una mirada penetrante a las realidades de la dictadura militar y las tensiones étnicas en el país.
Los personajes son vibrantes y complejos, cada uno contribuyendo a la riqueza de la narrativa. Kambili, con su voz única y su crecimiento personal a lo largo de la historia, se convierte en un personaje con el que los lectores pueden empatizar y admirar. Los miembros de su familia, en particular su tía revolucionaria Ifeoma, añaden capas de significado a la historia y desafían las normas establecidas.
La prosa de Adichie es cautivadora, con una riqueza de detalles que sumerge a los lectores en la vida cotidiana de Nigeria. La autora utiliza el lenguaje de manera evocadora, creando imágenes vívidas y una atmósfera palpable que enriquece la experiencia de lectura.
"La flor púrpura" también aborda cuestiones fundamentales de identidad y autenticidad. La búsqueda de Kambili para encontrar su voz y liberarse de las restricciones impuestas por su familia y su sociedad refleja un viaje universal hacia la independencia y la autodeterminación.
En resumen, "La flor púrpura" es una obra maestra literaria que cautiva con su narrativa emocional y sus temas profundos. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie brinda una mirada apasionante a la vida en Nigeria y ofrece una exploración conmovedora de la fuerza de la resistencia, la búsqueda de la verdad y la búsqueda de la identidad en medio de la adversidad.
La historia sigue la vida de Kambili, una adolescente criada en una familia adinerada pero atormentada por su padre fanáticamente religioso y abusivo. A través de la narración en primera persona, los lectores son testigos de las luchas de Kambili mientras busca su voz y su identidad en medio de la opresión y las expectativas impuestas por su entorno.
Adichie teje hábilmente los hilos de la historia, explorando temas complejos como la religión, la política y la opresión patriarcal en Nigeria. La trama se desenvuelve en un trasfondo histórico y político tumultuoso, ofreciendo una mirada penetrante a las realidades de la dictadura militar y las tensiones étnicas en el país.
Los personajes son vibrantes y complejos, cada uno contribuyendo a la riqueza de la narrativa. Kambili, con su voz única y su crecimiento personal a lo largo de la historia, se convierte en un personaje con el que los lectores pueden empatizar y admirar. Los miembros de su familia, en particular su tía revolucionaria Ifeoma, añaden capas de significado a la historia y desafían las normas establecidas.
La prosa de Adichie es cautivadora, con una riqueza de detalles que sumerge a los lectores en la vida cotidiana de Nigeria. La autora utiliza el lenguaje de manera evocadora, creando imágenes vívidas y una atmósfera palpable que enriquece la experiencia de lectura.
"La flor púrpura" también aborda cuestiones fundamentales de identidad y autenticidad. La búsqueda de Kambili para encontrar su voz y liberarse de las restricciones impuestas por su familia y su sociedad refleja un viaje universal hacia la independencia y la autodeterminación.
En resumen, "La flor púrpura" es una obra maestra literaria que cautiva con su narrativa emocional y sus temas profundos. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie brinda una mirada apasionante a la vida en Nigeria y ofrece una exploración conmovedora de la fuerza de la resistencia, la búsqueda de la verdad y la búsqueda de la identidad en medio de la adversidad.
andersenhannah02's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
nneka23's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse