Kambili, the narrator of Purple Hibiscus,Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche's debut novel, tells of a childhood and adolescence dominated by a cruel father with strict 'religious' ideals. Adiche is a skilful storyteller and this is a sensitive though hard hitting portrayal of an unhappy household which contrasts with the loving atmosphere in her aunt's home where Kambili learns to value herself and trust her own judgement. Set in Nigeria the novel speaks not only of personal but of political turmoil and we learn also of the wider social and cultural influences which colour the lives of all the protagonists.