Purple Hibiscus

By Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, a Nigerian feminist writer

First Published in 2003

Available formats: Audible (included in membership), paperback, hardback, Kindleunlimited

Format read: Audible – narrated by – Lisette Lecat

Purple Hibiscus is not based on actual events, but reading it gives the impression that it could be. In this debut novel, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie delivers a profoundly intersectional and complex story of family life, domestic abuse, religion, self-discovery, and the consequences of political unrest and failing governments.

Spanning 17 chapters, the story follows Kambili, a 15-year-old girl raised by a wealthy, abusive, religious fundamentalist father. Kambili lives with her older brother, Jaja, her resigned mother, and her domineering father, whom she calls “Papa.” Kambili struggles to find her voice and sense of self in the shadow of Papa, who rules their home with an iron fist. He sets rigid schedules for the family, demanding academic excellence and strict adherence to Christianity. Even minor deviations are punished with violence.

Throughout the book, Kambili’s internal conflict revolves around self-discovery and asserting her voice. She is caught in a cycle of pleasing her father, constantly second-guessing herself, and yearning for approval. Her home is devoid of happiness; laughter is a foreign concept, and fear looms continuously.

Papa, educated by missionaries, has abandoned his Igbo heritage. He estranges himself from his father, Papa-Nnukwu, for refusing to convert to Catholicism, condemning him as a pagan. This estrangement prevents Kambili and Jaja from forming a meaningful relationship with their grandfather. Despite his oppressive behaviour, Papa is highly respected in his community and revered for his business successes and philanthropic contributions.

In contrast, Papa’s sister, Aunty Ifeoma, is vibrant, strong, intelligent, and kind. Although she shares a similar educational background, she embraces her roots and provides a stark contrast to her brother. Living in Nsukka, where she works as a lecturer at the University of Nigeria, Aunty Ifeoma invites Kambili and Jaja into her home. Despite financial struggles, a delayed salary, and scarcity of essentials like fuel and food, her home exudes warmth and resilience.

Aunty Ifeoma introduces laughter, freedom, and a new perspective to Kambili and Jaja’s lives. Her influence inspires a spirit of resistance in them and exposes them to the possibility of a life beyond Papa’s control. She saves them in many ways, giving them the strength to envision a different future.

Kambili’s world changes dramatically when an unexpected event shatters her nuclear family, bringing immense sacrifice and a newfound sense of freedom. The transformation of her mother, initially passive, into an unexpected heroine or villain, depending on how one looks at it, reflects themes of battered woman syndrome and personal liberation.

While Purple Hibiscus is a compelling read, as is characteristic of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s works, the ending felt rushed. Chapters 16 and 17 bring the narrative to an abrupt halt, leaving many questions unanswered. A book of this depth could have benefited from a more thorough conclusion. Additionally, Papa’s character would have been richer, with more background details about his time with the missionaries and the experiences that shaped him.

Unfortunately, the Audible narration also let the audiobook down. The narrator struggled with pronunciation, and her accent lacked the authenticity needed to bring the story to life, detracting from the overall experience. Due to this, I struggled to get into the book right away, and thus, it took me longer to finish it.

That said, I would still wholeheartedly recommend this incredible book, but I suggest opting for the physical copy rather than the audiobook to appreciate the depth and beauty of the story fully.