In “Purple Hibiscus” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Kambili’s feelings for Father Amadi can be described as complex and multifaceted. At first, Kambili is drawn to Father Amadi due to his kind and caring nature, which contrasts with the strict and oppressive environment she grew up in with her father Eugene. Kambili finds solace in Father Amadi’s presence and is intrigued by his outgoing and free-spirited personality.

As Kambili spends more time with Father Amadi during her visit to Nsukka, her feelings for him begin to evolve into a deeper emotional connection. She is captivated by his charm, intelligence, and passion for social justice. Adichie describes Kambili’s growing feelings for Father Amadi with passages such as, “I felt my heart thud hard, so hard it shook me, and I was afraid Father Amadi would hear it” (Adichie 114). This suggests that Kambili is developing romantic feelings for Father Amadi, as her heart races when she is near him.