Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Fifteen-year-old Kambili’s world is circumscribed by the high walls of her family compound and the frangipani trees she can see from her bedroom window. Her wealthy Catholic father, although generous and well-respected in the community, is repressed and fanatically religious at home. Confined by strict rules and a schedule which revolves around prayer, sleep, study and more prayer, she lives in fear of her father’s violence.

When Nigeria begins to fall apart under a military coup, Kambili’s father, involved with the unfolding political crisis, sends Kambili and her brother away to their aunt’s. The house is noisy and full of laughter and she finally discovers a life – dangerous and heathen – beyond the confines of her father’s authority. The visit will lift the silence from her world and, in time, reveal a terrible, bruising secret at the heart of her family life.

‘One of the best novels to come out of Africa in years’ The Baltimore Sun

‘A beautiful and often harrowing story’ Noreena Hertz The Observer

‘Perceptive characterisation and an evocative portrayal of a fast-changing country, mark this Orange-shortlisted novel out from the crowd.’ The Guardian

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie was born and grew up in Nigeria. Purple Hibiscus was her first novel and was shortlisted for the 2004 Orange Prize for Fiction and longlisted for the 2004 Man Booker Prize. Her second novel, Half of a Yellow Sun, won the 2007 Orange Broadband Prize for Fiction.

By the same author
Half of a Yellow Sun

Current Book of the Month
Previous Books of the Month