Name: Okoromah Francisca Chineye 

 Mat no: U2021/1825109 

Review writing 

 Introduction

 Title: purple Hibiscus

 Author: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. She is also known for  her other works such as; Half of a yellow sun, Americanah.

 Publisher: Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill

 Publication date: 4/17/2012

 Pages: 336

 Novel 



                      Summary 

Purple Hibiscus is a post-colonial novel that talks about family, religion and freedom. The protagonist in the novel is a fifteen year old girl known as Kambili Achike, who comes from a wealthy and devoted Catholic family. Her father Eugene, mostly called papa in the novel, is a very strict man who physically and emotionally abuses Kambili, her mother(Beatrice), and her brother (Jaja). As a devoted Christian Papa cut ties with his own father who is a heathen. He gives generously in the community and church and is called the pillar of the church. He owns a newspaper that talks about corrupt government.

    Kambili is well behaved and desperate to please her father she adheres to his rules and lives in fear of failing. Jaja on the other hand is also obedient but becomes defiant over time.

      A Christmas visit to Nsukka at aunty Ifeoma's house created an opportunity for Kambili and Jaja to learn another way of life. While aunty Ifeoma's house is filled with laughter and joy, theirs is the opposite of it. Kambili and Jaja got to build a relationship with aunty Ifeoma's children. Kambili and Amaka become closer and she could confide in her, telling her about her feelings for father Amadi, a young priest and family friend.

     With this freedom Kambili learns to use her voice and Jaja begins to gain confidence in himself.

The climax in this novel happens when papa died and mama revealed that she poisoned him, in other to free herself and her children from his abusive nature. In other to protect his mother Jaja takes the fall for the death of father and is sent to prison. In the end Kambili plans to plant a Purple Hibiscus with Jaja after his release, which signifies change. The book ends on a hopeful note.


                   Analysis 

I mostly have only good remarks for this book because I really enjoyed reading it, and the characters were all intriguing to me, especially that of Eugene (papa), Kambili and father Amadi. I would have love to get to know more about the character of father Amadi in other to get answers for my questions.

Majorly, I like how easy it was to read and understand despite the fact that they were inter-switching languages.

Another important part I found funny in this book was the height of hipocrisy in Papa's character, where by he is not practicing what he preaches, he acts like responsible and charitable man to the society but abuses his own family. Not to forget that there is a saying"charity begins at home".

One irony I found in this book is the fact that in as much as Papa was a violent and a controlling tyrant in his home, he owns a newspaper,that  stands up against corrupt government and fights for freedom of free speech.

One funny direction this novel pointed out was the fact that no character can be pointed out to be a total evil one not even papa.

        After reading this book I have come to the conclusion that abusive upbringing and home demoralize our mind and that women suffering from this should be able to speak up. If am to rate it I'll give it a 8.5/10.

      I highly recommend this novel to both adults and teenagers because it really interesting and relatable especially in the society we find ourselves today.