If you haven’t read something from Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, you should do it as soon as you can get your hands on one of her books. If you are willing to, you may pick a coming of age novel that takes place in a Nigeria on the verge of civil war, this would be her masterpiece Purple Hibiscus.

On these pages we get to know 15 year-old Kambili: a quiet and shy girl, from a privileged and wealthy family. Kambili guides us through her story and shows us that appearances aren’t always what they seem.

As political violence in her country grows, Kambili and her brother are forced to leave their parents’ house and live with their aunt and her children. This new environment, full of laughter and the smell of home-made food will make them realize that oppression and cruelty sometimes can be found closer than we think.

This is a beautiful written novel about finding your voice, the emotional roller-coaster that adolescence is, family bonds and the promise of freedom in a war stricken country. To me, Chimamanda is always a great read!

Reviewer: Euge Robbio – From Marcelo T. de Alvear’s branch ♥