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Purple Hibiscus: A Novel
by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Author) Format: Paperback
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars (14,042)
From the bestselling author of Americanah and We Should All Be Feminists Fifteen-year-old Kambili and her older brother Jaja lead a privileged life in Enugu, Nigeria. They live in a beautiful house, with a caring family, and attend an exclusive missionary school. They're completely shielded from the troubles of the world. Yet, as Kambili reveals in her tender-voiced account, things are less perfect than they appear. Although her Papa is generous and well respected, he is fanatically religious and tyrannical at home—a home that is silent and suffocating. As the country begins to fall apart under a military coup, Kambili and Jaja are sent to their aunt, a university professor outside the city, where they discover a life beyond the confines of their father’s authority. Books cram the shelves, curry and nutmeg permeate the air, and their cousins’ laughter rings throughout the house. When they return home, tensions within the family escalate, and Kambili must find the strength to keep her loved ones together.Purple Hibiscus is an exquisite novel about the emotional turmoil of adolescence, the powerful bonds of family, and the bright promise of freedom.
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Review
"Breathtaking . . . Adichie is very much the twenty-first-century daughter of that other great Igbo novelist, Chinua Achebe." --The Washington Post Book World
"The author's straightforward prose captures the tragic riddle of a man who has made an unquestionably positive contribution to the lives of strangers while abandoning the needs of those who are closest to him." --The New York Times Book Review
"Prose as lush as the Nigerian landscape that it powerfully evokes . . . Adichie's understanding of a young girl's heart is so acute that her story ultimately rises above its setting and makes her little part of Nigeria seem as close and vivid as Eudora Welty's Mississippi." --The Boston Globe
"Amazing." --Minneapolis Star Tribune
From the Back Cover
Fifteen-year-old Kambili's world is circumscribed by the high walls and frangipani trees of her family compound. Her wealthy Catholic father, under whose shadow Kambili lives, while generous and politically active in the community, is repressive and fanatically religious at home.
When Nigeria begins to fall apart under a military coup, Kambili's father sends her and her brother away to stay with their aunt, a University professor, whose house is noisy and full of laughter. There, Kambili and her brother discover a life and love beyond the confines of their father's authority. The visit will lift the silence from their world and, in time, give rise to devotion and defiance that reveal themselves in profound and unexpected ways. This is a book about the promise of freedom; about the blurred lines between childhood and adulthood; between love and hatred, between the old gods and the new.
About the Author
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie grew up in Nigeria. Her work has been translated into thirty languages and has appeared in various publications, including The O. Henry Prize Stories 2003, the New Yorker, Granta, the Financial Times, and Zoetrope. Purple Hibiscus, her first novel, won the Commonwealth Writers' Prize and the Hurston/Wright Legacy Award. Her novel Half of a Yellow Sun won the Orange Broadband Prize and was a New York Times Notable Book and a People Best Book of the Year; her novel Americanah won the National Book Critics Circle Award. Her story collection, The Thing Around Your Neck, was the winner of the 2010 Dayton Literary Peace Prize. A recipient of a 2008 MacArthur Foundation Fellowship, she divides her time between the United States and Nigeria.
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Customer reviews
4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
14,042 global ratings
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Gael
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book
Reviewed in Australia on 26 December 2019
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This book takes you into what life is/was like in Nigeria, at a crossroads of the old ways and the Christian ways. The wealth and poverty within the family are explained in such a way you can visualise the way the people lived. Most striking of all is the fanatical, wealthy father who is generous to everyone but cruel to his family.
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KAREN HEYCOX
4.0 out of 5 stars I have thoroughly enjoyed all this author's books
Reviewed in Australia on 17 August 2014
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I have thoroughly enjoyed all this author's books....she writes well...and what can be viewed as fiction is obviously based on lived experience...it was a privilege to enter this world...
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Anne Whight
5.0 out of 5 stars My 2nd book by Adichie - Fast becoming one of my favourite authors!
Reviewed in Australia on 21 May 2018
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This is the second book I've read by Adichie, having recently read Half of a Yellow Sun, and this one is just as amazing. A story that takes you into the lives of individuals, and at the same time sweeps you up in the drama of a changing Nigeria. Highly recommended, for the evocative style of writing, the insight, the breadth of the story, and the extraordinary lives of ordinary people.
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Jane
5.0 out of 5 stars Stepping into another world
Reviewed in Australia on 15 July 2021
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The story and contrast of the 2 main families and the part colonialism and Christianity play is riveting. Adichie's writing is beautiful and evocative yet minimalist. A must read.
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Vaughan
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant
Reviewed in Australia on 10 January 2019
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What a writer. What a story! I really enjoyed the different cultural setting and the great use of language. I recommend this book.
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delia dent
5.0 out of 5 stars Rich characters and a view into a fascinating culture
Reviewed in Australia on 3 September 2018
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Loved the depth and complexity of the characters. A beautifully written and compelling story that helps to reader to understand a bit more about Nigera.
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sue coke
5.0 out of 5 stars A compelling book
Reviewed in Australia on 25 May 2014
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Chimamanda Adichie is such a talented author, she brings Africa alive for anyone who has lived there. She captures the vitality and warmth of her characters, portrays human frailty whilst making the reader feel an intimate part of the story. Her stories stay with you long after you have finished them.
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Siti Jevens
5.0 out of 5 stars Electrifying read
Reviewed in Australia on 8 January 2014
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Purple Hibiscus is a beautiful story. The plot is based on a 14 year-old who grew up under the stifling patronage of a stern father. Her domineering father frequently physically abused his family alongside her, creating terror at home and stunting the psychological growth of his children. Against the backdrop of the deterioration of the socio-economic and political life of Nigeria as it undergoes a military coup, the life Kambili knows is shattered and she has to seek for refuge in the home of her aunt. Kambili the sheltered but highly restricted child, who never thought of herself as lucky and who had earlier been absconded by her peers and cousin because of her supposedly privileges, learns to assert herself and becomes a beloved character, a character who easily understood the plight of those around her.. Kambili at first came to terms with her father as someone who regarded himself as a pillar of the community and someone she genuinely loved. Even the emotional and physical pains he inflicted are seen only as a gesture of love for her own good, but later she comes to consider his actions as abnormal. With its vivid portrayal of Nigerian life, and brilliant dissection of the characters , this novel moves at a pace which is electrifying. Purple Hibiscus, Disciples of Fortune, Half of a Yellow Sun H, The Usurper and Other Stories, are some of the books I enjoyed recently.
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Cathy Jones
5.0 out of 5 stars Hard to put down
Reviewed in Australia on 3 March 2019
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Love this woman’s writing, especially when the themes are difficult as they usually are in this world. Read this years ago and would raed again.
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Goldie
5.0 out of 5 stars I loved it then and love this book now
Reviewed in South Africa on 14 July 2026
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I love, love the book. I can’t put it down
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Selin
5.0 out of 5 stars Had to read it for a class but I recommend
Reviewed in Belgium on 16 September 2025
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Great book, broadened my perspective
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MJS
5.0 out of 5 stars Hard To Put Down!!!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 June 2026
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I had read 'Americanah' 1st and the 'Half of a Yellow Sun' a few years ago. However, this particular novel affected me in so many different ways. C. Adichie shows how appearances are often so deceptive. The mundane manner in which it starts is deceptive, as the more you read, the further you immerse yourself into wishing something to happen to break up what is happening right before your eyes. All I can say is that I really didn't expect the 3rd part of the novel. I was left hoping for a sequel, as I really want to know what next happens to Kamili, her brother and all the other characters that had me enthralled. This is novel about love; whether it be nurturing or deadly, whilst the outside world carries on with its chaos & upheaval. What a fantastic 1st novel!!
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Karin VL
5.0 out of 5 stars Formidable
Reviewed in France on 17 September 2018
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A story of extraordinary strength. This author is decidedly gifted and I warmly recommend this book.
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KGBeast
5.0 out of 5 stars A female Nigerian childhood - complex and enlightening
Reviewed in Germany on 25 July 2022
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Kambilis and Jaja's father is an important and good man in many ways. He fights for freedom, for justice and he supports a great many people with his assets - and of course the church. One of his driving forces behind this is religion - or his specific interpretation of it - which alienates him so much from his father and makes him a frightening fanatic in his own household.
The counterbalance to this is formed by his sister, who teaches at university and tries to educate her children to be critically thinking people - a character that is very clearly based on the author's mother. She 'frees' Kambili and her older brother Jaja from the monastic isolation in which their father keeps them, introduces them to Nigerian customs and customs, and her children show the two 'hero children' how normal people live.
The priest probably serves as an alternative to the father's inquisition-like religiosity by presenting a form of religious life affirming life and individuality, which, due to his youth, makes him the ideal first great love of Kambilis - which then (luckily?) finds no fulfillment.
The historical background is the upheaval and military government of Nigeria, which forced many who could afford it to flee back then - viewed through the eyes of a young woman who, by leaving her father's house, rediscovers this world as new as non-Nigerian readers.
The book ends with all sorts of material about the author and also an autobiographical short story about her return to Nigeria after the success of 'Purple Hibiscus. '
The title of the German translation surprised me a bit, because 'purple' actually means' purple 'and the first-person narrator keeps talking about 'red hibiscus'.
Definitely a recommendable novel that impressed me just as much as 'Americanah'.
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Marina
5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible story and best writer
Reviewed in Spain on 19 August 2015
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When I read Purple Hibiscus, I was already familiar with the rest of Chimamanda Ngozi's works, however, it surprises me especially because of its ability to transfer you to the lives of the characters, and to feel their suffering and feelings as your own. The story captivates you from the start and shows a heartbreaking reality that is totally alien to us. I loved the evolution of all the characters, especially that of the protagonist Kambili and her discovery of life beyond the walls of her affluent life. Once again, Chimamanda was able to touch my heart with one of her books. 100% recommended reading.
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Tolulope
5.0 out of 5 stars Nice
Reviewed in Canada on 21 April 2026
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Good one
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Guida
5.0 out of 5 stars The book is lived
Reviewed in Brazil on 21 June 2025
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I really liked it. Surrounding, sad. For me, it was distressing, but it still held my attention until the end.
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LH
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful, Sad and Powerful. Amazing Writing!
Reviewed in the United States on 27 July 2026
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I've been wanting to read this book for awhile and had the opportunity to select my own book for my final project in my Gender and Text course. Purple Hibiscus is one of the most emotionally powerful novels I've read. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie creates characters that feel incredibly real, and I found myself deeply invested in Kambili's journey. Watching her slowly find her voice after living in fear was both heartbreaking and inspiring.
More than anything, this book made me feel for Kambili and her mother. Their experiences stayed with me long after I put the book down. There were so many moments that made me sad for them, and by the end of the novel, I was in tears. Adichie writes with such honesty and compassion that it's impossible not to become emotionally attached to these characters.
One aspect I found myself thinking about was Kambili's relationship with Father Amadi. At times, I wasn't sure where Adichie intended their relationship to go. There were moments that made me wonder whether Kambili's feelings were simply part of her coming-of-age journey and first experience with a crush, or whether Father Amadi's kindness was meant to show the genuine, platonic care of a trusted mentor. I actually appreciated that the novel left room for readers to interpret those moments differently, and it made me reflect on them even after I finished the book.
The novel also explores family, religion, identity, and political unrest with remarkable depth. The symbolism is beautifully woven throughout the story, adding even more meaning without taking away from the emotional impact.
As a graduate student studying literature, I appreciated how much there was to analyze, but what I'll remember most is how this book made me feel. It's beautifully written, thought-provoking, and unforgettable. I highly recommend Purple Hibiscus to anyone who enjoys literary fiction that leaves a lasting emotional impact.
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Anna B
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read!
Reviewed in Italy on 25 August 2025
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Great read!
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Sulthan Zikandar Basha
5.0 out of 5 stars Good for your project intresting story
Reviewed in India on 23 May 2026
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Total 307 pages easy to read 4chapters
Book quality is good and pages also good quality
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Ana
5.0 out of 5 stars Great author, book in good condition
Reviewed in Japan on 29 November 2020
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Love Adichie! Would read all her novels.
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Cliente de Amazon
5.0 out of 5 stars Purple Hibiscus
Reviewed in Mexico on 30 May 2022
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Me gustó mucho! Es uno de esos libros que no quieres dejar de leer.
Me parece profundo, de reflexiones que a muchos nos pueden tocar; y al mismo tiempo siento como si la autora hubiera compartido su alma en la narración.
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norikodo
4.0 out of 5 stars 暴力的な支配者である父親から少女は自由になれるのか?!
Reviewed in Japan on 5 May 2011
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ナイジェリアに住む裕福な家の少女カンビリは、暴力的な父親の絶対支配のもとで従順な娘として暮らしていました。そのカンビリが自由な精神の持ち主である大学教授のおばの元で暮らすことになります。彼女はそこで自由を知り、ほのかな恋もします。カンビリは絶対君主のような父親のもとに帰らされることになるのか?!物語は家族の悲劇に向かって進んで行きます。ナイジェリアの生活が少女とおばの対照的な暮らしを通して鮮やかに描かれています。その土地独特の単語がありますが英語は平易でとても読みやすいです。読み進めるうちに思わず登場する女性たちにエールを送りたくなります。
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Chiara Elissa Torres Bayley
4.0 out of 5 stars A good read
Reviewed in Spain on 21 January 2015
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A book that creeps up on you. Beautifully written from the perspective of a quiet girl brought up by a strict religious father who rules the householders strict schedules and a hand of steel. What happens to the girl when suddenly those rules fall away... I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
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Julia
4.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful insight into life in Africa
Reviewed in France on 21 February 2017
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Good book, good writing and nice story. The end was a bit disappointing but other than that it is very much worth a read.
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Caroline Nyakata
5.0 out of 5 stars Purple Hibiscus
Reviewed in South Africa on 26 October 2025
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I enjoyed reading this book, even though the one character I wished I could slap some sense into. Beautifully written with developed characters.
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ADITI SAHA
4.0 out of 5 stars A captivating family drama.
Reviewed in India on 21 August 2016
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“From the beginning men used God to justify the unjustifiable.”
----Salman Rushdie
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, an award winning Nigerian author, has penned an immensely absorbing family drama in her literary fiction novel, Purple Hibiscus where the author weaves the tale of a young Nigerian girl who belongs from a very rich and affluent family where the father of the family is a religious fanatic and used to torture his wife, his daughter and his son in the name of Christ if they commit a slight mistake, but when the young girl goes to live with her aunt during the military coup invasion, she learns ugly secrets about her not so perfectly religious family.
Synopsis:
Fifteen-year-old Kambili’s world is circumscribed by the high walls and frangipani trees of her family compound. Her wealthy Catholic father, under whose shadow Kambili lives, while generous and politically active in the community, is repressive and fanatically religious at home.
When Nigeria begins to fall apart under a military coup, Kambili’s father sends her and her brother away to stay with their aunt, a University professor, whose house is noisy and full of laughter. There, Kambili and her brother discover a life and love beyond the confines of their father’s authority. The visit will lift the silence from their world and, in time, give rise to devotion and defiance that reveal themselves in profound and unexpected ways. This is a book about the promise of freedom; about the blurred lines between childhood and adulthood; between love and hatred, between the old gods and the new.
Kambili, a fifteen year old girl, lives under constant fear of her religiously fanatic father who is an ardent Catholic man and owner of some factories as well as contributes for a newspaper where he freely expresses his opinion about politics and the country. Kambili and her elder brother, Jaja and her mother live in a palatial mansion but their lives and happiness are dominated by the man who is a strong believer of rules laced with religion. So if Kambili or Jaja or her mother makes even a slight mistake, they are punished physically to repent and to learn a lesson about making mistakes. But pretty soon, Nigeria falls under the rule of a military coup where political scandals, corruption, poverty and public execution became a common affair, and Kambili's father, who is an influential and affluent man in the society, sends away his kids to his sister's house, who lives inside an university campus, in a different town. In her aunt's house, where her children laugh out heartily and the household is always happy even though they are very poor, Kambili realizes the real definition of freedom and also tastes it along with her brother. But is it easy to escape from her father's wrath who pushes her down as well as denies from any freedom of childhood happiness to his own children?
This is the very first time that I grabbed my hands on an Adichie novel and that too her debut book which bagged quite a lot of literary awards. Although unfortunately, the story is not that remarkable as most reviews say so. Why? Well mainly because of the fact that the author has failed to depict an intimidating man through the narrative of his 15-year old daughter, and also the author's own hometown which is a fractured projection into its deep cores, thereby I failed to visually or mentally form an image of a country dominated by a military coup or its people facing grave troubles because of the coup.
The author's writing style is incredible, eloquent and extremely redolent that readers will grab the readers with its flair right from the very start. The narrative is extremely sorrowful as the author strikingly captures the pain and the longing for a free childhood through a fifteen year old girl's voice, that the readers will find it easy to comprehend with even though the narrative has so many layers within. The pacing is moderate, as the author unravels the story through dimension and underlying stories of a country falling apart besides the story of a young girl and her family.
As already mentioned before, the author's portrayal of Nigeria is really vivid, yet it is projected through fractures thereby stopping the readers to recreate the complete portrait of Nigeria. Apart from that, the author strongly depicts the then corruption, riots, denial from basic amenities like water to the common people, public execution, scandals when Nigeria came under the rule of a military coup that set a fear into the hearts of its countrymen. The dusty roads, the mass, the churches, the garden in Kambili's mansion, the rare purple hibiscus, the people, the language, the food and the culture, all these aspects are vividly captured that will let the readers to take a peek into the heart of Nigeria.
The characters from this book are well developed, especially the central character and the protagonist of the book, Kambili, who is drawn with enough realism to make the readers connect with her simple yet fearful demeanor. Although there is not much evolution into her demeanor, but somehow she learns to enjoy the basic happiness that a teenager must experience while she goes away from her home, and later that makes her a mature woman. Her sadness will deeply move the readers as she narrates her cry for freedom from her dominating and torturing father. The rest of the supporting characters are also well etched out but fails to leave a mark into the minds of the readers. And also the author failed to make the readers grasp the mentality of a strong and rich Catholic family man and his ideals.
In a nutshell, this enduring story is not only poignant but thoroughly enlightening that will make the readers lose themselves into the world of a fifteen year old Nigerian girl whose only wish is freedom for herself, for her brother and mother as well as for her own country.
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Tania
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful
Reviewed in Germany on 1 March 2020
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This is a beautiful, quiet book that was a true joy to read. The family story is compelling and the cultural insight rewarding. Check out "half of a yellow sun" as well!
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Sidnei
4.0 out of 5 stars Great book!
Reviewed in Brazil on 9 February 2020
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It had been a while since I read a book that left me with my heart in my hand, at various times. I really liked it.
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Jorge
5.0 out of 5 stars Very good book
Reviewed in Mexico on 21 March 2023
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Easy to read good story
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Eden
4.0 out of 5 stars Chimamanda is a great writer. She is slow
Reviewed in Canada on 28 October 2015
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Chimamanda is a great writer. She is slow. So by slow I mean that she takes her time to get to the point but I enjoyed it because it built up suspense and it made me want to continue reading. I killed the ending for myself so I strongly advise don't get sucked into doing research because half way through I knew what was going to happen so I was just waiting for it to happen.
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Cameron Grant
4.0 out of 5 stars Worthwhile
Reviewed in the United States on 28 July 2026
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Not my favorite Adichie tome, but anything she writes is worth reading. She sure paints wonderfully picturesque scenes of Nigeria.
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Hylas Maliki
4.0 out of 5 stars Stays with you unexpectedly
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 May 2014
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I read the first pages after finishing Virgil's the Aeneid. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy to follow the Master, but someone had to - Chimamanda it was. I'm writing my own book on my experience in Africa so I had to see what came before me to familiarise myself with Africa's past literature to know my would be place once I finished my book. Needless, - blame it on Virgil - I was underwhelmed at first and couldn't see what generated the lauding praise of this book. The writing style was what struck me as cliché and amateurish, grating to me, same with Achibe's Things fall Apart. But that was offset by the story itself which to my surprise stuck with me even after I finished the book. The best way to describe it is that this is a rough diamond of a book. I'll read her other work soon but it's safe to say, even if her penmanship lacks the poetic quality of the greatest writers, she knows how to write a story that sticks with you. This book makes you want to hug the central character of the story over and over again. One of the most likeable characters I have ever come across.
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maria giannelli
4.0 out of 5 stars What a fear of a bigoted father!
Reviewed in Italy on 21 October 2017
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It deals with the story of a very young Nigerian girl dominated by a grumpy and very religious father who imposes on her, her brother and mother behavior that is exaggeratedly linked to religious rules, and physically punishes her and the other members of the family for every slightest transgression of his despotic provisions. All against the background of a beautiful and magical Nigeria, rich and miserable, in a period of change where everything seems possible. The figure of the father, cruel and incomprehensible in his exaggerated devotion to the rules that he himself imposes on himself and on the family, seems unrealistic, but it gives a very good idea of what too strict observance of norms, religious or not, can do to human relationships and especially to family ones. My daughter's desire to 'please' her father made me tender, making the comment he expects, behaving as he would like, even against his most normal and natural instincts. It's a classic of the father-daughter relationship, but at what price! But there's a light at the end of the tunnel, you just have to read the whole book.
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SassyPants
5.0 out of 5 stars RUN do not walk to get this book!
Reviewed in the United States on 20 January 2017
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Oh my gosh, I am simply gobsmacked by this amazing debut novel! Many of us may be familiar with Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie from her TED talk about feminism (Why Everyone Should be a Feminist) as well as her success as a novelist. I am kicking myself for waiting so long to read her work. As you read this (and please read this) keep reminding yourself that this is a debut novel. A DEBUT NOVEL. Ms. Adichie is winning awards for a reason.
Purple Hibiscus is so many things. It is a story about family and the lengths we will go to protect our family. It is a story about Nigeria, political unrest, and freedom. It is also a story about love, faith, and religious fanaticism. But mostly it is a coming of age story. Kambili, our 16 year old heroine, lives with her older brother Jaja and her parents. Her father is a great and wealthy man in their village. He owns several factories and a newspaper that promotes a democratic government. He is also very powerful within the local Catholic Church and openly opposes more traditional "pagan" religions. He even shuns his own father. Though he is admired and revered in the community, he is a tyrant at home. Due to some threats against his newspaper, he reluctantly allows his children to spend some time with their Aunty Ifeoma and her three children. There, Kambili and Jaja experience a very different family life where children can speak their minds and have opinions. It is here that Kambili finds her voice and falls in love for the first time. She falls in love with a local priest who is a friend of Aunty's family. This is not creepy love with a pedophile priest, but the innocent first love of a teenage girl for a man who cares for her and encourages her independence but not her romantic notions. Kambili and Jaja love being with their aunt but a tragedy forces them home. As a result, the siblings become adults almost overnight.
I cannot say enough wonderful things about this book. I would like to buy 500 copies to hand out to strangers. The story is interesting and gripping. It is also beautiful and horrific at the same time. You will want to read it quickly for the story and then slowly to savor the words. Ms. Adichie's writing is nothing short of amazing. Not a word is wasted or unnecessary. Her descriptions are poetic and touch all your senses. It would take me a month to write even one sentence as good. Yet the book reads like the writing was effortless. I loved this book so much that I could reread it right now. I will certainly be reading her other work.
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gonzalo
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful edition and magnificent book
Reviewed in Spain on 17 November 2023
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The letter is a little small but can be read well, perfect size. And the book itself is a delight.
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Silence
5.0 out of 5 stars wonderful
Reviewed in France on 10 May 2020
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The novel is simply magnificent, written in an even more beautiful way. It is useless to waste your time reading the comments of others on this subject, it is a novel that must be read! And if you can, prefer the original version to a translation!
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Kelsi
5.0 out of 5 stars The Purple Hibiscus
Reviewed in Canada on 1 June 2015
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This was a beautiful tale of a girl growing up in Nigeria who comes into her own despite an intense Catholic father. It was great to watch the protagonist start to develop her own thoughts and attitudes towards the world as she grew like a flower. The character development was excellent; it truly felt like each one of the characters was a complex, unique individual. I cannot wait to read more of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's work.
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BlestMiss T
5.0 out of 5 stars Underrated but superior debut from a bright young talent.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 February 2009
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It was so long ago that I read 'Purple Hibiscus' but it still remains one of my favourite reads of the decade. I felt to write this review since Adichie's follow up 'Half of a Yellow Sun' has garnered so much praise - which I feel is by and large unwarranted in comparison to 'Purple Hibiscus' - whilst her debut remains the strongest indicator of what a formidable writer Adichie can be.
So subtle and understated this book is simply far too well written for it to be as easy as it seems. Kambili is at once irritatingly passive and completely sympathy-worthy. The issues addressed here - religion, hypocrisy, coming-of-age, domestic violence - would be derivative and clichéd in the hands of a lesser writer. Yet the author pulls it off - in fact so well that its precisely what makes her debut stand out. Unlike '...Yellow Sun' Adichie does not rely on sensationalist plot devices such as violence, sex and profanity to drive this story along. In fact not a lot happens in regards to plot but so much character development is going on. I found it a lot easier to care and engage with the characters in 'Purple Hibiscus' than the follow up and there seems to be a lot more freedom in the way Adichie writes it, devoid of the self-consciousness and what seemed too much like insincerity that marred 'Half of a Yellow Sun' for me.
Purple Hibiscus was a pleasant surprise. Paced well, long enough to get the point across without overstaying its welcome, I highly recommend it. I bought it on a whim and having read it I was chagrined Adichie did not get more recognition for it. It's a prodigiously good debut and her only problem might be matching or surpassing it. I will read '..Hibiscus' again one day to ensure it has not lost its sparkle.
The fact 'Hibiscus..' has been eclipsed by Adichie winning the Orange Prize for 'Half of a Yellow...' is a classic example of why people should not wait to be told what to read by the likes of Richard and Judy and the mainstream. In short, we shouldn't fall too often into the trap of literary populism, deciding to like a book based on its exposure regardless of its quality. I think to overlook '...Hibiscus' is to miss what is really special about Adichie as a writer.
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Andile
5.0 out of 5 stars Hard to put down
Reviewed in South Africa on 9 May 2026
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