Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a writer I’ve wanted to read for a while; I have seen her give really powerful interviews and I recently read her brilliant short story The Arrangements, in which she sees the world of Donald Trump through the eyes of his wife, Melania (it is worth making the time to read it if you haven’t). On a more shallow level, I’ve been coveting the reissues of her novels in beautiful covers. However, I recently saw an offer where I could buy Purple Hibiscus, Half a Yellow Sun and Americanah for £8- I would have been daft to not take up the offer.
Purple Hibiscus tells the story of Kambili, a fifteen year old girl living in a household dominated by a violent and devout, yet charismatic, father. In a time of political unrest, Kambili and her brother Jaja are sent to live with their aunt, whose way of life is freer and less structured than the regime set for them in their own home. Kambili discovers friendship- and her own sexuality- as her life begins to change irreversibly around her, the guilt of betraying a parent always in the back of her mind.
I absolutely adored this novel, even though the subject matter was incredibly hard at times; to me, this read like a masterclass of how to structure a narrative. I’m very much looking forward to reading the other novels.
The Bookish Badger 
Purple Hibiscus was the first Adichie I read as well, and it’s still my favourite. There was so much to love in this story, despite what occurs, it’s so well written.
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