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trevs_738 's review for:
Purple Hibiscus
by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
A literary masterpiece; just as good as Achebe's "Things Fall Apart".
I'd say one thing that made me like the book so much was its authenticity, and its honest depiction of a people. Whereas it may feel distant that the story evolves around a Nigerian family, the experiences described are not any short of universal. The book tackles the issue of domestic abuse, and the plight of the many who are constantly trying to rise out of it. Though narrated by a teenage girl, the book invites us to empathize with her despite whatever side we stand on, and it shows us that multi-faceted aspect of human character and morality. As much as we want to vilify Eugene, we see that there are many factors that shaped his actions: political unrest, religious affiliations, his serving as a paragon of Christianity to his society, his depression, and his (sincere but often misguided) view of love and obedience. We want to see an evil man, but we end up seeing that not everyone is all-good, and not everyone is all-evil.
I liked the theme of the importance of speaking up. Speaking up against an oppressive government, as well as against an equally oppressive father and husband. The main character shifts from a reticent girl to a more sociable, feeling, young woman. Most remarkable is the symbol of the purple hibiscus, signifying unique defiance against a lack of freedom. The main character finds independence and solace, while gaining a voice she never knew she had.
Among other things, the book addresses the immigrant experience, religion and morality (particularly Catholicism), and political unrest.
Favorite Quotes:
"...there are some things that happen for which we can formulate no whys, for which whys simply do not exist and, perhaps, are not necessary (303)."
"We did not scale the rod because we believed we could, we scaled it because we were terrified that we couldn't (226)."
"When a house is on fire, you run out before the roof collapses on your head (213)."
"Being defiant can be a good thing sometimes (144)."
This is the most relatable book I've read in a long while. I hope you find it worth your time.
I'd say one thing that made me like the book so much was its authenticity, and its honest depiction of a people. Whereas it may feel distant that the story evolves around a Nigerian family, the experiences described are not any short of universal. The book tackles the issue of domestic abuse, and the plight of the many who are constantly trying to rise out of it. Though narrated by a teenage girl, the book invites us to empathize with her despite whatever side we stand on, and it shows us that multi-faceted aspect of human character and morality. As much as we want to vilify Eugene, we see that there are many factors that shaped his actions: political unrest, religious affiliations, his serving as a paragon of Christianity to his society, his depression, and his (sincere but often misguided) view of love and obedience. We want to see an evil man, but we end up seeing that not everyone is all-good, and not everyone is all-evil.
I liked the theme of the importance of speaking up. Speaking up against an oppressive government, as well as against an equally oppressive father and husband. The main character shifts from a reticent girl to a more sociable, feeling, young woman. Most remarkable is the symbol of the purple hibiscus, signifying unique defiance against a lack of freedom. The main character finds independence and solace, while gaining a voice she never knew she had.
Among other things, the book addresses the immigrant experience, religion and morality (particularly Catholicism), and political unrest.
Favorite Quotes:
"...there are some things that happen for which we can formulate no whys, for which whys simply do not exist and, perhaps, are not necessary (303)."
"We did not scale the rod because we believed we could, we scaled it because we were terrified that we couldn't (226)."
"When a house is on fire, you run out before the roof collapses on your head (213)."
"Being defiant can be a good thing sometimes (144)."
This is the most relatable book I've read in a long while. I hope you find it worth your time.