Purple Hibiscus

This was another find from one of my neighborhood lending libraries, and I delayed on starting it for the silliest reason: I loved Americanah so much, how could Ngozi Adichie's skill from two novels before that be comparable? Like I said, silly. Calling things “coming-of-age” stories tends to flatten them a bit, and that's only the starting point here: this is a coming-of-age story that is also about all kinds of violence: domestic, religious, political/governmental, colonialist. The character studies are beautiful, Ngozi Adichie has apparently always been tremendously skilled at visual imagery, and the complex emotions ring true. My one complaint, which may actually reflect that this was her first novel, is that the denouement is paced differently than the rest of the novel, in a way that feels a little off-kilter. Still, such a great book.

For quite a short novel, it packs quite a punch. It's concise, well written and educating without being dry or overbearing.

I really enjoyed reading about Kambili's time with Aunty Ifeoma and her cousins, the characters were so vivid and likeable which was such a contrast to the strict and abusive life she faces at home.

The writing from this author is really what makes this book special, she has such a way of making you feel the oppression without really saying much about it; you can feel the heat and dryness of the country without it being explained over and over. I really liked the atmosphere created in such an effortless way.

I will certainly be reading more from this wonderful author.