Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is an extremely well written novel in the genre of realistic fiction that follows the life of a girl named Kambili and the struggles she has with her family. This novel is the epitome of a “coming of age” story that masterfully shapes the adolescent struggles for identity and social acceptance but in a setting that pushes these themes to the nth degree.
The novel Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie tells the story of a 15-year-old girl named Kambili. In Kambili’s family, everything is controlled by her father, Eugene. Her father forces everyone in his family to follow his strict Catholic rules and punishes them if they don’t abide by his rules. When Kambili and her brother Jaja go to visit their Aunt Ifeoma’s house during Christmas, they are able to see what a truly happy family looks like, and they are able to feel love.
The Death of Vivek Oji is a novel that features a small Nigerian village and a young mother opening her doors to find the dead body of her son, Vivek Oji, wrapped in fabric and missing his necklace. As she desperately searches for his necklace and the person who dropped him at her step, she is faced with the secrets that her son had kept hidden. Specifically, his close bond with his cousin, Osita, and his desire to grow his hair long and change his name to Nnemdi, a name that was his grandmother’s.
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe is a historical fiction novel with complex themes. It’s centered in Nigeria, and follows the story of Okonkwo, a fierce warrior. Achebe uses vivid imagery to illustrate daily life in his tribe, and uses small details to show the reader the different aspects of the culture surrounding Okonkwo’s village. The book is centered around Okonkwo’s deep rooted hatred of his father, his relationship with his sons, and how he and his tribe will deal with foreign beliefs and ideals.
A year and a half after the events of Akata Witch, Sunny is studying her magical powers in order to master the art of juju, Nigerian magic, with her mentor Sugar Cream, as well as attempting to decipher her confusing and dangerous Nsibidi book.
Have you ever wondered what your life would be like if magic was possible? Akata Witch tells the story of 12-year-old Sunny as she opens her eyes to a world of magic she didn’t even know existed. Previously, she had always been different from her peers and friends in one way or another, but soon after she discovers juju, Nigerian magic, she realizes that it is responsible for why she never fit in.
