Purple Hibiscus Response

I am really enjoying Purple Hibiscus so far. Thus far, the book has been quite sad, but that is not a bad thing; it portrays the darker parts of life, and is incredibly honest and real. Kambili has gone through a lot of trauma dealing with her father's abuse. The depictions of abuse throughout the book are incredibly difficult to read, but I am glad Adichie chose to go there, because she is shedding light on a topic people would rather forget. Throughout the novel thus far, Kambili is struggling to grow into her own person and develop who she is because she is too busy processing school and her father's actions. Kambili wants to make friends and grow as a person, but she can't because she has to deal with her father.

Kambili does not really know who she is outside of her family. I can tell she is trying to grow, but is constantly stopped by her school and family. It seems as though her father does not care that she is a well-rounded person, but all he cares about is her grades and her believing what he believes. It is not right for him to force his beliefs on her. She should have the opportunity to learn and form her own thoughts about the world. Her father acts as though he wants her to do that, but really all he wants is for everyone, including Kambili, to agree with him.