Things Fall Apart: A Novel (African Trilogy)

An interesting story, an interesting plot and an interesting outlook on life from that period of time.

From the moment I started reading this novel, I felt like I was thrown into a National Geographic special. Achebe’s portrayal of the Igbo culture is vivid, deep, refreshing, and enticing. Things Fall Apart partly focuses on the complexity of the Igbo social hierarchy, belief system, and varied customs which is in direct contrast to how other novels portray pre-colonial Africa, usually written from an European perspective. Achebe’s straightforward style of writing helps allow the reader to form their own thoughts on the characters, the setting, and the situation.

The more I read about the hyper-masculine, obdurate patriarch and protagonist of the book, Okonkwo, the more I felt uneasy about him. Actually, physically, on-the-edge-of-my-seat uneasy. Achebe weaves a web of suspense around Okonkwo, portraying him as a ticking time-bomb, full of potential and rash action. However, as the novel progresses, you’re also offered a softer glimpse of the hard-laced Okonkwo. For me, however, what easily became the most enjoyable part of reading this book were the culturally relevant aphorisms, fables, and proverbs. I honestly could not get enough of the wit; it made the narrative simply sing.

Achebe also delicately outlines the eventual intrusion of Western powers over the Igbo culture. In my opinion, he infuses his story lines with a healthy dose of subjectivity, especially as one who was directly influenced by colonialism in Nigeria. The incoming Europeans are rightfully embodied as obtrusive but are also depicted as having some redeeming qualities such as being welcoming in the sense that they offer refuge to the Igbo’s “untouchable” population, or their version of it. Nevertheless, Achebe grants a voice and a perspective to a population and an era that has been greatly blemished and superceded by the viewpoints of a more dominant culture. That being said, everyone should read at least one of Achebe’s works in their lifetime.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5/5 Book Stars

This was very different from what I usually read and while it is not the first one that touches on issues of race it is the first one I have read that touches on colonialism as it is happening instead of post-colonialism. I enjoyed the very straightforward narration of the novel as it kept the story constantly flowing and how Achebe intertwined folklore stories to help move it along. I did think the last half of the novel happened very quickly and was wrapped up before I was ready, however, I enjoyed the genius that was the last two pages which commented on how the Commissioner would frame the main character Okonkwo's story as if the whole novel wasn't Okonkwo's story which helps to re-emphasize the main points and truths of the novel.

Must read for everyone