55 Words Book Review - Purple Hibiscus

Okay since I had been postponing writing reviews for a long time, I tried to make it interesting by doing it in 55 words. That way it serves as a writing exercise for me too.

Purple Hibiscus - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

 

The coming-of-age tale of fourteen year old Kambili. Powerful, lyrical prose that brings Nigeria into your living room – the scents, sounds and tastes. But apart from Kambili and her tyrant father no other character is strongly etched. Jaja’s and her mother’s actions sudden and unexplained. The climax leaves an insipid taste. Yet I loved the book.

Read for New Author Challenge

To read a review that starkly differs from mine go to Ramya's page.

Dumbfounded - Review of Sorts

Sometimes the best way to read a book is to just pick it up and start reading.This book is the best advocate for that truth. Seriously! I walked into the library and the first book I set eyes on was this one - nice blue jacket and a kid in an Afro. I picked it up and I don't regret it one bit.

This is a memoir by Matt Rothschild, one of those 'affluent' kids of the huge Rothschild clan. But this book is not about the luxuries in life or of upper-class snooty behaviour. The author recounts his childhood, growing up in New York City with his grandparents, his quirky neighbours, the schools he went to and a possible reunion with his mother.

The book is quite fun to read, flows nicely and is emotional in parts and highly entertaining as a whole. I guess the fact I had no expectations for this book made all the difference in my appreciation for it.

This is for the Jewish Literature Challenge.