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.

Purple Hibiscus Digital Art

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

‘Purple Hibiscus’ is a book that has been constantly read and studied at schools by literature students. With the use of the characters of Jaja and Kambili, the story of a gradual journey from ill-treatment to freedom is told. The reader is taken through a teenager’s walk from timidity and inexperience to maturity and capability. Just as the abandoned boys on the island in the book ‘Lord of the Flies‘ by William Golding move from innocence to awareness, so do Kambili and her brother.

In the book, Chimamanda addresses the results of psychological abuse. Mama and Kambili are withdrawn, uncertain, and evasive because of the physical and mental trauma they are made to pass through. Jaja on the other hand is overprotective and rebellious. The story of ‘Purple Hibiscus’ also tackles the issue of inequality. The novel aims at exposing the patriarchal abuse that members of most African societies are born and raised in.

Finally, the book aims to pass on the consequences that colonialism has on Africa. Issues like discrimination, white privilege, linguistic imperialism, and the overall loss of African culture are addressed. Using characters in the book, the author subtly condemns the part European missionaries played in Africa’s loss of identity.

Purple Hibiscus Review ⭐

The style of writing used by Chimamanda Adichie in this book is a first-person narrative. The use of an applicable plot and thoughtful symbols has made ‘Purple Hibiscus’ an intriguing book.

Purple Hibiscus Historical Context 📖

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has been identified as one of Nigeria’s most important new generation writers. ‘Purple Hibiscus’ which was written and published sometime in the 21st century is a book about emancipation. It is set in post-colonial Nigeria.

Purple Hibiscus Character List 📖

‘Purple Hibiscus’ has some contrasting characters that make the book enjoyable. The author brilliantly builds relatable characters.

Purple Hibiscus Quotes 💬

This well-known and frequently studied novel contains a lot of distinct quotes. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie employs the use of literary devices such as simile, metaphor, juxtaposition, and foreshadowing to tell a tale of freedom from religion and maltreatment.

Purple Hibiscus Themes and Analysis 📖

This coming-of-age novel is quite engaging. Its principal themes are thought-provoking as they are visible in post-colonial Nigerian society. The book enkindles emotional outbursts ranging from pity, sorrow, happiness, anger, and relief.

Purple Hibiscus Summary 📖

This African novel tells the story of a teenager living with a highly patriarchal and religious father. The author creates a political insight that captures the attention of readers.