Purple Hibiscus

Article written by Fave

B.A. in History and International Studies from University of Ilorin, Kwara State.

The novel speaks on the damaging effects of religious extremism, patriarchy, and violence. ‘Purple Hibiscus’ with its setting in Nigeria, is a historical fiction that tells the story of how a teenage girl navigates through life with a devout catholic father, a subservient mother, and a rebellious brother. It was published in 2003 and has been read and studied in high schools and even universities.

Key Facts about Purple Hibiscus

• Title: Purple Hibiscus.
• Where written: Eastern Connecticut State University, John Hopkins University.
• Published: October 2003.
• Genre: Historical Fiction.
• Point-of-view: First-person narrative.
• Setting: Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State.
• Climax: The murder of Eugene Achike (papa).
• Antagonist: Eugene Achike.

Chimamanda Adichie and Purple Hibiscus

Alongside ‘Half Of A Yellow Sun‘ and ‘Americanah’, ‘Purple Hibiscus‘ is known as one of Chimamanda’s most famous novels. Even though it was her first published book, she had written other articles at different times of her life.

‘Purple Hibiscus’ was first conceived at Eastern Connecticut State University and had been inspired by nostalgia. While in university, Chimamanda sometimes felt homesick during the semesters. She had turned to her interest in writing to emotionally keep in touch with her home in Nigeria. The book that was first published by Algonquin Books won the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize in 2005, while the author has since then won many prizes including the Women’s Prize for Fiction, MacArthur Fellowship Award, PEN Open Book Award, and so on.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie tries to enlighten the public about the dangerous outcome of inequality and violence using this novel. She believes that dictatorship breeds violence. The negative effects of colonialism are also denoted in ‘Purple Hibiscus’ as Eugene who was schooled by white missionaries, comfortably denounces his native roots and embraces the European culture.

Books Related to Purple Hibiscus

‘Purple Hibiscus’ is one of the most famous Nigerian books of the 21st century. The core theme illustrated in ‘Purple Hibiscus‘ is the search for liberation from oppression.

The author’s literacy, as well as exposure, gives her knowledge of war, health, religion, corruption, and love. All of which are written about in the novel. The author who is an avid reader, found ‘Things Fall Apart’ by Chinua Achebe transformative at a young age. Some of the negative consequences that colonialism had on Africa are highlighted in ‘Things Fall Apart’ and also ‘Purple Hibiscus’. She was equally inspired by Camara Laye who wrote ‘Dark Child’.

In her book, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie explores the apprehension that the members of Kambili’s family face with their dictatorial heads.

There are other books related to ‘Purple Hibiscus’, some of which include:

• ‘Things Fall Apart’ by Chinua Achebe is a novel that talks about the life of a leader in the Igbo community in pre-colonial and colonial Nigeria. The reader is led through his journey of being a successful and wealthy farmer, to his banishment, his return, and then death. The book perfectly illustrates the disadvantages that colonialism had on African society.

• ‘Daughters Who Work This Path’ by Yejide Kilanko is a book about a Nigerian girl whose life changes drastically when she is sexually assaulted by a relative. The once spirited and intelligent young girl is robbed of her innocence and pride after the abuse. Becoming fiercely protective of herself and her sister, she matures into an adult whose only safe place is with her Aunty Morayo.

• ‘On Black Sisters’ Street’ by Chika Unigwe tells the story of four women who leave Africa in search of greener pastures and are drawn together by tragedy. After the sudden death of one of them, they open up to each other about their past. Together, they fight for and eventually get their “freedom”.

The Lasting Impact of Purple Hibiscus