Is the trip to Nsukka therapeutic or what?

The visit to auntie Ifeoma’s is not only therapeutic; it is also an eye opener, for

Jaja and his sister Kambili. It is most therapeutic for Kambili who lives in her own small

world of fear and misery to see how much laughter, freedom and joy other children

experience in their homes even though they are poor. They come to a quick realization

that money is not everything. It is true that with money you derive material satisfaction,

but not of the soul. Happiness is not something money can buy. Money has limitations in

its power obviously, it cannot buy health, peace love, true friendship about all, it can not

buy happiness, if it can, Papa will have plenty of bliss and it will radiate so much so

even his most remote relatives will feel the impact. I bet you, they know that papa would

have bought for everyone in his immediate family some happiness, because he loves

them and want them to be perfect unblemished beings before men and God. Unfortunate,

what you do not have you cannot give. He totally lacks a sense of humor, togetherness,

unity, affection, can not compromise for anything not even at his father death, he bluntly

refuses to be a part of the burial just because he is not a Christian. He is stiff neck and

has know clue of what Christianity is all about.

For the first time in Purple Hibiscus Kimbili and Jaja are actively involved in

outdoor activities, play football, gardening and chasing after others, all sought of fun

things that children normally do and enjoy. Also, they have the opportunity to stay in the same house with Papa- Nnukwu their grandfather who told them tales of old and jokes that they makes the laugh. Although the stay together is brief, they see how funny, playful and kind their Papa-Nukwu is. That he even includes his son Eugene who calls him a pagan and has forsaking him in his prayers is remarkable. He impart Kembili and Jaja in a positive way. As for Kembili, after spending the afternoon with Father Amadi, Kimbili actually declares “I had smiled, run, laugh. My chest was filled with something like bath foam. Light. The lightless was so sweet I tasted it on my tongue, the sweetness of an overripe bright yellow cashew fruit” (Page 180). She was able to hold a conversation with Father Amadi and she is happy about it.

The experience in Nsukka was the beginning of a new dawn for these two. A seed is planted awaiting germination in due cause.