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Purple Hibiscus

Read by:
Lisette Lecat
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Unabridged Audiobook

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Ratings
Book
135
Narrator
54
Release Date
March 25, 2011
Duration
11 hours 0 minutes
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.
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Reviews
Profile Avatar Anonymous Jun 2021

Choice of narrator was... odd. Felt strange having a quite posh sounding woman voice Nigerian Igbo-speaking characters

Profile Avatar Kimberly Cooney Mar 2022

More of a character study than a traditional novel, which made the first third particularly hard to get through as the protagonist was very meek and beaten down. Definitely got better as things went on. The ending did feel rushed to me and I would like to have known more about the woman Kambili became after the life altering events that occurred to her family--trying not to spoil anything.

Profile Avatar Takor N. Aug 2021

I love Chimamanda’s! This book again took me home, explored a culture and systems similar to my own. It read my thoughts and aired my struggles. Representation does matter and I felt seen in this story. I would have chosen an African or Nigerian author because the pronounciations were terrible for me. I’ve grown up around Nigerians, igbos in particular and the pronounciations were painful to listen to. Representation matters I would prefer hearing this from and African and those who aren’t African received a disservice with the names and language spoken with a British accent. They don’t know what it was supposed to sound like and now they never will.

Profile Avatar Rima R. Aug 2021

A great book, I’m glad I picked it up. The narrator is also brilliant I loved that she kept the Nigerian accent. I recommend listening to it. Sincere respect to the author.

Profile Avatar Don H (SC) Jan 2025

Purple hibiscus kept my interest the whole time, even though it is not the type of book I would normally listen to. I would recommend other people read the book.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Jun 2023

The ending left me a little disappointed but it’s a good story all the same.

Profile Avatar Maureen L. Apr 2021

I love this story. I thought the narrator was very good too.

Profile Avatar Annie A. Apr 2020

This book was beautiful and keenly observed. It is very difficult to listen to at times because of the intense scenes of domestic violence and abuse.I am very very glad i stuck with it. I will be thinking about it for a long time. I thought the narrator was great except for very annoying 'mouth noises" as another listener put it. A natural part of speaking but seriously the editing should have gotten rid of those noises. Yuck.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Apr 2025

I really enjoyed reading the book, but I think the narrator should be changed. No offense to her, I'm sure she great at narrating other books, but her accent when speaking the Igbo language was quite off and difficult to listen to. Eventually, I decided to give up on the audio and read the book myself. However, the content of the book was wonderful and covered many intersecting topics!

Profile Avatar Emma E. Oct 2023

Great read but what made yall think it was appropriate to let some random SA woman narrate this?? Do you think all African nations are the same? She butchered so many igbo pronunciations and Nigerian English intonations. A book that should’ve sounded like home (well written, exemplifying igbo culture) sounded so foreign. HOW DARE YOU

Profile Avatar Thorn Aug 2023

I really enjoyed the gentle telling of a hard tale. The narrative was picturesque and I could submerse myself in the ambiance.

Profile Avatar Melissa C. Jul 2023

I really enjoyed the book and thought the narrator did a great job with the different voices.

Profile Avatar Anna S. Jul 2023

Amazing book/author. Narrator entirely, almost shockingly unsuitable (it was a shock for me when I heard the White clipped tones as the book began) but having said that, she does do it brilliantly.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Jun 2023

It moved slowly. But I found the story interesting if not fulfilling at the end.

Profile Avatar Janeta P. Jun 2023

Well written A bit long

Profile Avatar Janna D. Jul 2021

Absolutely thrilling story, heartworm and heartbreaking at the same time, so much more learn about Africa and Nigeria 8n preticular.

Profile Avatar Christa B. Sep 2020

A profound book! I have binge listened the book. A brilliant author which I will add to my list. I interpreted the “mouth noises” by the narrator as her interpretation of Kambile’s nervousness, shyness.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Feb 2020

A very insightful and interesting read! Reading this for my English 102 class and it's one of my favorite books that I've had to read for school. The narration on the other hand could've been better had there not been as many mouth noises. Otherwise, very helpful as I am a slow reader.

Profile Avatar Elaine Neely Oct 2016

A well written and insightful book. A window into a world that is foreign to me in so many ways.

Profile Avatar Hanifa Barnes Jan 2016

Refreshing imagery that feels as though I was watching the story unfold.

Purple Hibiscus

Purple Hibiscus

Author: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Read by: Lisette Lecat
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