Review by shanks1130 - Purple Hibiscus

shanks1130 's review for:

Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

2.75

challenging dark informative sad medium-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

More of a religious fiction, rather than historical fiction. It was obviously set against the canvas of civil unrest in Nigeria, but I felt most of the historical elements were just there and not really the driving factors. The religious elements, on the other hand, were an integral part of the story and a major driving force for the narrative. The catholic conversion and the extreme beliefs of Kambili's father caused by it were very interesting to read. The drastic actions due to religious brainwashing were somehow both incredible and conceivable at the same time; either way, very horrible. Kambili's arc of starting from a protected and insular upbringing and then discovering infinite possibilities was good, but left a lot to be desired. The ending took me by surprise, but the epilogue was very lukewarm.

Content Warnings