Within a Nigeria that is experiencing political turmoil, Purple Hibiscus tells the story of Kambili and Jaja, two children who live with a repressive father. Their experience of freedom is as rare and as precious as the experimental purple hibiscus their free-thinking Aunt cultivates.
This novel begins with Jaja's first real act of defiance against his father; not taking communion on Palm Sunday. The background to this event and the terrible conclusion which follows it, is narrated by Kambili.
Kambili and Jaja's father, Eugene, is a dominant figure in the community. With the title, "The One Who Does for the Community", Eugene has almost single-handedly financed their church. His control over his environs also extends to his family. His daughter Kambili seems keenly aware of her father's presence and opinions even when he is not with her. She believes he will decide her future. Desperately wanting his approval, she comes to realise that she had somehow thought he was immortal.
A turning point in the lives of the children occurs when Jaja and Kambili visit their father's sister, Ifeoma. There they are exposed to a family that while much poorer seem spiritually richer; they pray for peace and laughter. Aunty Ifeoma is more a coach for her children than a parent in the sense she knows. Her cousins are confident. They voice their opinions.
Ifeoma helps to liberate Eugene's wife and children from their fear of Eugene. To Eugene's wife she says, "'Eugene has to stop doing God's job. God is big enough to do his own job'". Ifeoma shows Jaja the purple hisbiscus flowers, "fragrant with the undertones of freedom", all the while nurturing in him his individual voice. For Kambili, she provides opportunities for her to come out of the compliant silence she often holds.
Religion and faith, particularly Roman Catholicism are key parts of this novel. The fanatical way Eugene exercises his faith destroys relationships. His refusal to have contact with his own father because he is a heathen is nothing short of disrespect. The punishments he metes out to his wife and children for their "sins" is nothing short of abuse. And yet, he does not see it that way. "'Everything I do for you, I do for your own good'" he tells Kambili.
Jaja rejects belief in God. He tells his sister that a God who punishes his Son needlessly does not ring true for him. Why does Jaja see God the Father this way? No doubt, because that is his personal experience of a father - one who hurts his son. A clear warning to those of us who are parents. As well as disciplining, we must show our children God's patient love. This gives our children the natural and familiar experience of a loving God.
Purple Hibiscus was shortlisted for the Orange Prize; a prize given to female writers of fiction. It is worth knowing there are some disturbing scenes described in this novel. The tale is compelling and allows for the complexity of the issues with which it deals. A novel well worth reading.
