'Purple Hibiscus' - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
5 Stars
The novel sensitively captures the brutal hardships of politcal unrest in Nigeria and the conflict the 15 year old protagonist faces over the love she feels for her abusive father and her desire for independence. Kambili and her brother live a life of routine study and prayer. Her father is a fanatical religious man who abuses his wife and children. As political unrest mounts and her father seems to be involved, Kambili is sent to live with her Aunt's family. It is there that she begins to see a more positive and relaxed side to life, and begins to find herself. Currently one of my favourite writers, worth checking out her TED talk "We Should All Be Feminists".
'The Shock of the Fall' - Nathan Filer
3 Stars
The novel details the life of Matt, a 19 year old schizophrenic dealing with the childhood memory of his older brother's death. A difficult read, but a real insight into the mental health system, Matt's mind, and his feelings of guilt over this event.
