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Purple Hibiscus

By: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Narrated by: Lisette Lecat
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Summary

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a 2003 O Henry Prize winner, and was shortlisted for the 2002 Caine Prize for African Writing and the 2004 Orange Prize. In Purple Hibiscus, she recounts the story of a young Nigerian girl searching for freedom. Although her father is greatly respected within their community, 15-year-old Kambili knows a frighteningly strict and abusive side to this man. In many ways, she and her family lead a privileged life, but Kambili and her brother, Jaja, are often punished for failing to meet their father’s expectations. After visiting her aunt and cousins, Kambili dreams of being part of a loving family. But a military coup brings new tension to Nigeria and her home, and Kambili wonders if her dreams will ever be fulfilled. Adichie’s striking and poetic language reveals a land and a family full of strife, but fighting to survive. A rich narration by South African native Lisette Lecat perfectly complements this inspiring tale.

©2003 Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (P)2004 Recorded Books, LLC
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Critic reviews

"One of the best novels to come out of Africa in years." ( The Baltimore Sun)
“Prose as lush as the Nigerian landscape that it powerfully evokes. . . . Adichie's understanding of a young girl's heart is so acute that her story ultimately rises above its setting and makes her little part of Nigeria seem as close and vivid as Eudora Welty's Mississippi.” ( The Boston Globe)
"A sensitive and touching story of a child exposed too early to religious intolerance and the uglier side of the Nigerian state." (J. M. Coetzee)

What listeners say about Purple Hibiscus

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I recommend this book.

I really enjoyed this book, it holds your attention and makes you care about the characters. I started listening to an abridged version, but you need the full version to understand the depth of the story.

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  • Overall
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Another beautiful story with a horrible narration

I love Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, she is a revelation to me. She is the only one who k ows how to write about women. This is my third book written by her and again, she did not fail to deliver. A beautiful story. But what is the name od god is going on with that lector??? She is sapping the life out of the story and out of the listener! And those long pauses where you can hear her smacking her lips and tongue! The audiobook would have been unbearable to listen to if not the story...

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Beautiful

Thought provoking and touching. Well written and had be in tears in some parts. Well worth the read.

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Great book but the narrator needs to be Nigerian

This book is excellent, but unfortunately, the narrator's performance falls short. I believe that having a narrator from Nigeria or someone proficient in pronouncing the words and slang used in the audiobook would greatly enhance the listening experience. I urge Audible, or whoever is responsible for these decisions, to make better choices in the future.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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wrong choice of narrator

I do not think the narrator was right for the character.she should have had a Nigerian accent to make it more authentic.

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Truly Rivetting and a memorable read

I love this book by the talented Chimimanda Ngozi Adichi, and I will surely reread it. Touches on sensitive topics whilst also maintaining integrity.

I would highly recommend if you're also an avid reader of Malorie Blackman books.

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A moving story that stays with you

This is an incredibly powerful novel paired with extraordinary narration to bring it to life. I can’t stop thinking about it. Would recommend to anyone.

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Beautiful writing

The way the writer made you feel you were in the room. I have been in a ok club for 4 years and we have read some great books, it was unanimous that this was the best.

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Loved this book

This is an excellent read. Some complex characters, and a compelling coming-of-age drama played out against an all-too-real background in Nigerian history. Very well narrated.

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3 people found this helpful

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Loved it

We absolutely loved it. All my kids too 12, 10 and 8 year olds girls

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1 person found this helpful