For a reader, all books are interesting, all stories are engaging. And yet, every once in a while, a story comes along that sweeps you off your feet right from the beginning and refuses to let go! A story that fills you with so many emotions, gets you so involved, that it leaves you exhausted and exhilarated at the same time! A story that you want to end soon, so you know what happens eventually; and yet, you do not want it to end, because when it ends, what will you be left with, really? All the possibilities you have dreamed of for the protagonist, all your hopes for the central character, what will happen to it all once you have reached the end of the story? And you definitely have built up hopes. You surely have been dreaming up possibilities – although, you never really think of the solution that the story eventually offers, oh, no! Not that! Because, you see, you, like the protagonist, are still scared, dazed, trying to understand the right from the wrong, the good from the bad.
Purple Hibiscus, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (my first by the Nigerian author, and now I cannot rest until I have read all her work) is one of the most heart wrenching and at the same time, heart-warming books that I have read. A book that had me reeling in the first half and almost forcing myself to stop midway because I just couldn’t take it anymore! But then, I finished it. And I am so glad I did! Because how else would I have revelled in my protagonist’s ultimate triumph? How else, would I have found myself glad that justice was finally served, and so well? How else would I have found myself looking forward to the protagonist’s future as much as the protagonist herself?
I know, I have gotten carried away. So, let me give you some perspective.
Purple Hibiscus is the story of Kambili, a young girl who has known only one kind of life, the life that is sheltered behind high walls that surround her father’s vast estate. A father who is a very correct, very proper, very Christian man. A man who wishes that his children always and ever only do what is right, and what is ‘acceptable’ to him. He has ways of ensuring that this happens and that his children, and his wife, always do exactly what he expects of them. Ways, which are questionable. To an outsider. To anyone looking in on their rich, extravagant life. But to the people involved – to Kambili and her brother and her mother – it is the only life they have known. Until that is, they learn of a different way of life entirely. A way of life that is simple, easy, happy – something that their way of life is not.
And that, in a nutshell, is what Purple Hibiscus is all about. The course-changing experiences of young Kambili and her brother and the courage found, eventually, by their mother. It is also about the contrast between free-will, and forced acceptance. The contrast between a free bird flying in the sky, and a beautiful bird locked up in a golden cage. It is about the contrast between acceptance of a religion out of honest faith, and fanaticism. It is about the contrast between true, honest beliefs, and a warped sense of right and wrong. And it is about the contrast between growing up with a tyrant, and being in the embrace of someone who has so much faith in you as you do not have in yourself!
Narrated entirely in first person, with simple, easy flowing language, this book has loads of native Nigerian words which is a bonus for readers who appreciate multi-cultural references and multi-lingual stories. It is also a brilliant commentary on how we perceive religion, community, good, bad, right and wrong. It is a story that makes you think. That stuns you into introspection. And a story that gives you hope.
This book is all about the power of love and friendship and acceptance and everything in between. It is a story that tugs at your heart. A story that refuses to let go of you. A story that forces you to give it the time that is its due. And you do. Because you are left with no choice but to give in. Because, as I mentioned earlier, you just cannot stop wanting to know what happens next!
A fast paced, must-read that is highly recommended for everyone who enjoys stories that speak of love, faith and hope.
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