Jaja’s defiance seemed to me now like Aunty Ifeoma’s experimental purple hibiscus: rare, fragrant with the undertones of freedom, a different kind of freedom from the one the crowds waving green leaves chanted at Government Square after the coup. A freedom to be, to do.
On the 8th of March, we celebrated International Women’s day by hosting our first book club for the year. It was an intimate evening filled with fun and laughter discussing Purple Hibiscus which is written by arguably the most recognized Feminist from Africa, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Our members comprised of those that had read the book (some recently and some a few years prior), while others had yet to read it or were currently reading Purple Hibiscus. It was an eclectic mix of people and ideas.
The discussions revolved around our favorite characters and those we could relate to the most. Some of our members saw themselves in Kambili with her strict upbringing in the Catholic church. Others favored the exuberance and vivaciousness of Aunty Ifeoma. Others had us empathizing with Eugene to a certain degree (as unlikely and controversial as that might sound) when it came to how different he and Aunty Ifeoma acted despite being from the same family.
When it came to the ending, and without giving too many spoilers to those who had (have) yet to read Purple Hibiscus, some preferred a happy ending with everyone living happily ever after minus Eugene (of course). Others expected a more feministic ending from the feminist author herself and screw the patriarchy. Although we would have loved to see a more female-empowering ending to the book, perhaps that was the aim of the book and what makes it such a compelling read. The fact is that after the death of her oppressor, Kambili is now, for the first time in her life, able to be whoever and whatever she wants to be.
Another reason why Purple Hibiscus is such a compelling read is that it is relatable. You can see yourself in at least one of the characters in the book and in the African-ness of it.
This is our poor attempt at summarizing a two-hour discussion that was filled with so many interesting ideas and insights that we could never explain it accurately. As cliché as this might sound, you had to be there to witness and experience it. Below are some of the picture highlights.
If you have read Purple Hibiscus, we would love to hear from you. Let us know what you thought about the book. Specifically:
1. Which character do you relate to and why?
2. Why should someone who has never read the book read it?
3. What is your favorite part of the book and why?
4. What do you think the purple hibiscus symbolizes and when did you realize this in the book?
If you would like to join us at our next book club meeting, join our book club using the and we will keep you updated on all things Bluestockings.
