Reviews

Lila hibiskus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

moonsonmars's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

zeekd's review against another edition

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challenging emotional inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

readsbymilton's review against another edition

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  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

Chimamanda's “Purple Hibiscus” is evocative to say the least. It draws heavily on the Igbo culture that felt very familiar — The food, wine and merriment that exists in the village usually at the end of the year. The strictness of Kambili’s father is something that is eerily familiar in Nigerian homes. 

There is a mirror of tyranny that was present in the Nigeria at the time and also evidenced in Kambili's home. The character development is admirable as well. From Kambili being a somewhat mute girl who merely acted to please her father to having strong feelings for Father Amadi. There's so much to unpack with regard to the human condition, with how plastic our emotions can be with the death of Eugene carried out by his wife and Jaja owning to a crime he didn't actually commit.

The social class of all the characters is something that is very much common in Nigerian society — schools attended, drivers and maids and also the two bedroom bungalow shared by Aunty ifeoma and her kids. The social difference is stark and contrasting. Such a potent read.

mollykehoe's review against another edition

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4.0

This is an amazing book with complicated characters, family secrecy, political and journalistic entanglements, and incredible loyalty. I wanted to give Kambili a hug the whole time I was reading it and also wanted to help her and her brother plot to run away. This book taps into empathy and love and has an incredible ending.

rachelleinmi's review against another edition

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4.0

Would love to use this as a companion piece to Things Fall Apart. Power in the story is that while it shares the Igbo experience, it also connects across cultures, races and countries.

cstew09's review against another edition

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5.0

A beautiful story, artfully told. It will linger in my memory for a long time.

jlightwells's review against another edition

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4.0

This was difficult to read-- from the trauma and abuse, to the harshness of the storyline, I struggled. Ultimately, it was a really great read. This is my least favorite of her books, but I'm still glad I picked it up.

omgreads's review against another edition

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dark emotional sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

randyribay's review against another edition

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3.0

Full review at The Book Mark.

Some beautiful writing, but mostly pretty slow.

ramishahmaruf's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

stunning and evocative prose, loved the parallel of tyranny at home vs tyranny in the Nigerian government. Very difficult read 
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