A review by lexarobinson
Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

This book took a while for me to get into, but once I'd done so, I did enjoy it. Adichie's challenge of moral authority following colonialism is definitely interesting, and Kambili is a very likable protagonist whose pain reflects very well onto the reader; you suffer alongside her. Adichie presents both sides of the colonialist argument, and although the novel falls onto an anti-colonial stance (as it should), she humanises the colonisers in a way that renders their abuse even more agonising. I wouldn't rush to read it again, but it wasn't a waste of my time in the slightest. That being said: Adichie, please rethink your TERF values.
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