This book report consists of the basic details of the novel, as well as a summary of the plot, character descriptions and summaries of the main characters, personal experience whilst engaging with the novel, subjective opinions of the novel, reader recommendations and an evaluation of the themes, m...
Plot
The book is set in postcolonial Nigeria. It revolves around Kambili Achike, who is 15 years old
at the time. She and her brother are raised by Eugene – who is a violent figure with a
religious zealotry – and Beatrice – a loving and caring figure who is often a victim of
Eugene’s hand. Their family unit is destroyed by Eugene's beatings and psychological
cruelty. However, there is a volta when Kambili and Jaja live with Eugene’s sister, Ifeoma.
They are provided with a more nurturing environment, where they are allowed to live freely
and grow. Finally, Eugene's violent outbursts take their toll on him. Beatrice poisons him.
Jaja takes the blame for his mother’s crime, and is arrested.
Characters
Kambili
Kambili is a fifteen-year-old who is quiet and withdrawn but is an excellent student. She
idolizes her father, who is strict with her religion. This stunts her psychological growth.
However, her visit to Nsukka changes her perspective of life and her silence is broken.
Chukwuka Achike “Jaja”
Jaja is Kambili’s older brother. He is filled with guilt and resentment; guilt that he is unable
to protect his mother and sister from their ruthless ‘Papa’, and resentment towards his
father’s cruelty. His resentment drives him to abandoning his Christian faith, and his
inclination to protect his mother is fulfilled when he takes responsibility for her crime.
Auntie Ifeoma
Auntie Ifeoma is what Kambili aspires to be, liberal and outspoken. She is not afraid to
criticize the government, the university – at which she is a professor – and most importantly
her brother, Eugene. Ifeoma symbolises Catholic faith and traditionalism living
simultaneously, as she is Catholic but is accepting of Papa-Nnukwu’s traditionalism. Her
continuous adversity is her battle with money. However, she does not accept her brother’s
money. Instead, she works hard and is eventually given the opportunity to move to America.
Beatrice ‘Mama’
Mama is a soft-spoken woman who takes care of her kids. She avoids speaking out against
Papa’s violent behavior. After Kambili’s birth, she suffers several miscarriages due to Papa’s
beatings. As his abuse worsens, until she slowly poison him.
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