Purple Hibiscus: A Novel

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

April 17, 2012

Purple Hibiscus: A Novel by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a powerful story of one family’s struggle to maintain their faith and identity in the face of a harsh and chaotic life in a Nigerian society. Set against the backdrop of an authoritarian regime, the novel chronicles the Luca-George family’s journey as they struggle to survive and stay connected in a culture marked by violence and extreme repression.The story follows 15-year-old Kambili, a brilliant and shy young girl, who is trying to find her place in a family that is constantly in the throes of violence and repression. Kambili finds solace in her religion and in the freedom she finds with her spiritual advisor, Father Amadi. But when a violent incident leads to her family being arrested and her father’s home being destroyed, Kambili and her family must flee to save their lives. Kambili must find the courage and inner strength to face the new realities of her life and also to reconcile the violence of her past.Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has created a powerful and evocative narrative that beautifully captures the struggles of a family living in a repressive society. Adichie examines the themes of family, loyalty, identity, and freedom in her story, creating a vivid and moving portrait of life in a repressive culture. Purple Hibiscus is an important and compelling novel that offers readers a vivid and compelling look at the depths of pain, courage and resilience that can be found in the human spirit.