Purple Hibiscus: A Story of Love and Racism in Nigeria
Purple Hibiscus is a novel written by Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. It was published in 2003 by Algonquin Books. It is a story of love and racism in Nigeria. It was an instant success, and has since been translated into more than a dozen languages.
Kambili Achike: A Life Defined by Violence
Purple Hibiscus is a novel set in postcolonial Nigeria, a country beset with political unrest and economic difficulty. It follows fifteen-year-old Kambili Achike, a girl from Enugu State who is the daughter of a rich but violent Catholic father. Eugene Achike is a religious zealot and an abusive figure in his family. His wife, Beatrice, has two miscarriages as a result of his violent behavior.
Kambili's Father: A Complex Figure
Kambili's father is a wealthy factory owner who is an active philanthropist in public but a strict authoritarian at home. He beats his wife until she miscarries their baby. Later, Kambili falls in love with the beautiful purple hibiscus plant growing in Ifeoma's garden.
Aunty Ifeoma: Resistance and Empowerment
The hibiscus is a powerful symbol for the women of the family, and the book depicts many forms of resistance to patriarchy and oppression. It is symbolic of hospitality, and is also said to evoke the spirit of "old royalty." In the story, Aunty Ifeoma gives her daughter Kambili a purple hibiscus as a special gift for her birthday, which she considers an ode to her mother. The hibiscus is also a symbol for the immeasurable power of love. The plant is also said to bring a sense of peace and tranquility, and it is often planted in personal gardens.
Exploring Igbo Tradition and Catholicism
The story takes place in a community that practices Igbo tradition, and is rooted in that culture. Aunty Ifeoma is a devout Catholic who practices Catholicism. She shares her beliefs and practices with the children, and they grow close to each other. While Aunty Ifeoma and Papa Eugene are in opposition to each other, they eventually come to appreciate one another and come to understand each other. The story also examines gender issues and colonial ideologies.
Jaja and Kambili: Unraveling the Past
Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Adichie is a coming-of-age novel following the lives of two siblings from Nigeria. Jaja is 15 and Kambili is 16. Their father left lasting scars and the two siblings are divided in their outlooks on life and their father's abusive behavior. As they grow older, they begin to question what is considered the correct way to be raised.
A Journey Towards Freedom and Redemption
During the time they spent together, Kambili visits the apparition of the Virgin Mary, which reinforces her Catholic faith. Later, her father dies in a factory, and the autopsy reveals that he was poisoned. Jaja is caught, and convicted, but is later released from prison after serving three years in jail.
The Symbolic Power of the Purple Hibiscus Flower
In America, the purple hibiscus flower means "perfect woman." It is also associated with good luck in China, where it means "purity." Its beauty is a source of attraction. Men often give it to beautiful women, and women may give it to new mothers to wish them good luck. The flower is fragrant and attracts hummingbirds, which are attracted to the flower's fragrance.
Symbolizing Hope, Freedom, and New Beginnings
The purple hibiscus flower symbolizes hope, freedom, and the power of life. In African cultures, the flower symbolizes new beginnings and a new phase in a person's life. In Nigeria, the flower represents freedom, rebellion, and new life. Throughout the novel, the characters grow and change in their personal lives, and the flower represents these new beginnings. Purple Hibiscus merchandise is designed by independent artists, and each purchase puts money directly into the artist's pocket.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: An Acclaimed Author
Purple Hibiscus is a novel written by Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adhichie and published by Algonquin Books in 2003. It's a lyrical and thought-provoking tale about the power of love and community. It is an ideal read for people of all ages.
Award-winning Recognition
The novel has received multiple awards since its publication. It won the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship and the Orange Prize in 2008. It was also a finalist for the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize, the UK's second oldest literary award. Adichie was up against Rory Stewart's The Places In Between, Neil Bennun's The Broken String, Colin McAdam's Some Great Thing, and Jonathan Trigell's Boy A.
