“One of the most vital and original novelists of her generation.” —Larissa MacFarquhar, The New Yorker From the bestselling author of Americanah and We Should All Be Feminists Fifteen-year-old Kambili and her older brother Jaja lead a privileged life in Enugu, Nigeria. They live in a beautiful house, with a caring family, and attend an exclusive missionary school. They're completely shielded from the troubles of the world. Yet, as Kambili reveals in her tender-voiced account, things are less perfect than they appear. Although her Papa is generous and well respected, he is fanatically religious and tyrannical at home—a home that is silent and suffocating. As the country begins to fall apart under a military coup, Kambili and Jaja are sent to their aunt, a university professor outside the city, where they discover a life beyond the confines of their father’s authority. Books cram the shelves, curry and nutmeg permeate the air, and their cousins’ laughter rings throughout the house. When they return home, tensions within the family escalate, and Kambili must find the strength to keep her loved ones together. Purple Hibiscus is an exquisite novel about the emotional turmoil of adolescence, the powerful bonds of family, and the bright promise of freedom.
Average Rating
Informations
About the author
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Author
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a Nigerian writer of novels, short stories, poems, and children's books; she is also a book reviewer and literary critic. Her most famous works include Purple Hibiscus (2003), Half of a Yellow Sun (2006), and Americanah (2013). She is widely recognised as a central figure in postcolonial feminist literature.
Purple Hibiscus
by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Books Like Purple Hibiscus
If you're looking for books similar to Purple Hibiscus, here are some recommendations based on themes, tone, and narrative style.
Half of a Yellow Sun
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Another powerful novel by Adichie set in Nigeria during the Biafran War. It explores family dynamics, political conflict, and personal transformation. The story follows twin sisters and their experiences during a tumultuous period of Nigerian history. Like Purple Hibiscus, it delves deep into complex family relationships and the impact of political upheaval on individual lives.
Things Fall Apart
Chinua Achebe
A classic Nigerian novel about cultural conflict and personal tragedy. The story follows Okonkwo, a respected tribal leader struggling with colonial changes. It examines the tension between traditional African culture and European colonialism. The novel shares themes of family, cultural identity, and personal resilience with Purple Hibiscus.
Homegoing
Yaa Gyasi
An epic novel tracing the descendants of two half-sisters in Ghana and America. The book explores generational trauma, colonialism, and personal identity. Each chapter follows a different descendant, revealing the long-term impacts of historical events. Like Purple Hibiscus, it offers a nuanced exploration of family, culture, and personal resilience.
Kintu
Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi
An epic novel tracing a Ugandan family's history through generations. The story explores curse, family legacy, and personal redemption. It delves into cultural traditions and historical changes. Like Purple Hibiscus, it offers a deep exploration of family dynamics and personal transformation.
Americanah
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
A novel exploring race, identity, and migration through the story of a young Nigerian woman. It follows the protagonist's experiences in Nigeria, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The book addresses complex social issues with nuanced character development. Like Purple Hibiscus, it offers a profound exploration of personal growth and cultural identity.
Ghana Must Go
Taiye Selasi
A novel about a fractured family dealing with loss and reconciliation. The story follows a Ghanaian-Nigerian family spread across continents. It explores family dynamics, migration, and personal healing. The book shares Purple Hibiscus's themes of family complexity and emotional resilience.
Americanah
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
A novel exploring race, identity, and migration through the story of a young Nigerian woman. It follows the protagonist's experiences in Nigeria, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The book addresses complex social issues with nuanced character development. Like Purple Hibiscus, it offers a profound exploration of personal growth and cultural identity.
The Shadow King
Maaza Mengiste
A novel set during the Italian invasion of Ethiopia, exploring resistance and personal courage. The story follows a woman who disguises herself as a man to fight. It delves into themes of identity, war, and personal transformation. The book shares Purple Hibiscus's focus on individual resilience and social change.
The Fishermen
Chigozie Obioma
A powerful novel about four brothers in Nigeria during a time of political instability. The story explores family dynamics, prophecy, and personal tragedy. It captures the complexity of Nigerian family life and the impact of external forces on individual destinies. The novel shares Purple Hibiscus's themes of family tension and personal transformation.
Freshwater
Akwaeke Emezi
A unique novel exploring identity, mental health, and spiritual possession. The story follows a young Nigerian woman with multiple selves. It delves into complex psychological and cultural experiences. Like Purple Hibiscus, it offers a profound exploration of personal transformation and inner conflict.
The Memory of Love
Aminatta Forna
A novel set in Sierra Leone, exploring love, war, and personal healing. The story follows multiple characters dealing with the aftermath of civil conflict. It delves into psychological trauma and human resilience. The book shares Purple Hibiscus's themes of personal transformation and emotional complexity.
Stay With Me
Ayobami Adebayo
A novel about a Nigerian couple struggling with infertility and family expectations. The story explores marriage, cultural pressures, and personal choices. It offers a nuanced look at family dynamics and personal resilience. Like Purple Hibiscus, it delves into complex family relationships and individual struggles.
The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives
Lola Shoneyin
A novel about a polygamous household in Nigeria, exploring family dynamics and women's experiences. The story reveals the complex relationships within a traditional Nigerian family. It offers insights into gender, marriage, and personal agency. The book shares Purple Hibiscus's focus on family complexity and individual struggles.
Behold the Dreamers
Imbolo Mbue
A novel about a Cameroonian immigrant family in New York during the 2008 financial crisis. The story explores immigration, economic struggle, and personal dreams. It offers a nuanced look at family dynamics and cultural adaptation. Like Purple Hibiscus, it examines personal resilience and family bonds.
No account connected — sign in to comment.