NIGERIAN BORN ADICHIE has previously been shortlisted for the 2002 Caine Prize for African writing and is currently shortlisted for the 2004 Orange Prize.
Her debut novel is an emotive insight into the life of a young girl living in Nigeria at a time of political crisis with her fanatically religious and violent father.
The novel is captivating and easy to read, and the only drawback, is the ending, which seems to conclude all too abruptly.
Perhaps too much is left to the reader's imagination, and there isn't any sense of real closure.
Adichie's portrayal of glaring innocence through using a simple form and language, results in a childlike quality to the storytelling, yet also reveals itself as a mature and striking literary style.
Despite the mediocre ending, the novel still proves to be an excellent read.
Thoughtful, provocative and hopeful, Adichie constructs an insightful depiction of struggle, survival, culture and youth.
Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is published by Fourth Estate, priced £12.99.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article