Review: Purple Hibiscus

 I recently read the debut novel of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie called "Purple Hibiscus". What's so special about the book - the sublime yet powerful narrative by Kambilli - the 15-year old who has always mapped her achievements in life against how her Papa would approve of them. Her Papa is the overtly religious - almost fanatical - patriarch who has always controlled every aspect of his family's life. What is interesting is that Kambili is not the hero of the book. It is in fact her brother who openly defies their father trying to find some meaning of life in a house dominated by Christ and Papa's whims. The planting of the purple hibiscus bush is thus symbolic - something that happens after the visit to their aunt's house which, although poorer, is much more happier and alive. 

Though she is the observer, Kambili's thoughts are alive thanks to her continuous turmoil as she tries to debate between what's right and what's expected of her - idolizing her Papa despite his increasing violence towards the family, falling in love with a young priest, trying to fit into her cousins' lives and most importantly deciding between right and wrong based on not just what the Bible says. All this set against the political, economic and religious conflicts of the post-colonial Nigerian society makes for a thoroughly absorbing read. The contrasts although well defined are a bit cliched - 'papa'- a devout wealthy Catholic vs. his impoverished pagan father; the strict colonial product Father Benedict vs. the more contemporary indigenous Father Amadi; the wealthy but dull life of the Achikes vs. the poor but vibrant and loud life of Aunt Ifeoma's family.

 
Despite the ending remaining an open question, the book left a happy, almost peaceful, taste in my mouth and I am looking forward to picking up Adichie's next - Half of a Yellow Sun.