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Things Fall Apart: A Novel
 

Things Fall Apart: A Novel

by Chinua Achebe

One of Chinua Achebe's many achievements in his acclaimed first novel, Things Fall Apart, is his relentlessly unsentimental rendering of Nigerian tribal life before and after the coming of colonialism. First published in 1958, just two years before Nigeria declared independence from Great Britain, the book eschews the obvious temptation of depicting pre-colonial life as a kind of Eden.... (read more)

Top tags: fiction,  africa,  classic,  colonialism,  african literature (all tags)

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Other Reviews

Amazon Reviews (5)
 

Most Helpful Reviews

Liked It

1 of 1 members found this review helpful.
Play Book Tag Shelf
  • Rated 4 stars

“Virgaux78 said: The book is about a man named Okonkwo who is a leader in his clan the Umuofia. The story centers on his relationship with his three wives, children, and the effects of the Christian missionaries that come to "save the savages" as well as the effects of British colonialism.
It's not my usual topic choice, and while I felt at first that it just started in medias res, it came together, moved quickly and I consider it a worthwhile read.

Julie said: The story of life...”

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Didn’t Like It

ashdgarcia
  • Rated 1 stars

“My AP Literature teacher read this book out loud to us, and I just couldn't get into it no matter how hard I tried. I thought I would enjoy it, as it is about Africa, and I have been there and know a little bit about the culture there because I have experienced it before, but it is just not what I expected it to be. Maybe I would like it if I read it by myself, but I just don't think it was a good book.”

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Community:
  • Rated 3.792511 stars
Amazon:
  • Rated 4 stars
  

Newest Comments

  • Thandiwe U

    thandiwe u said:

    “Western influences also created self-hate and oppression that is continuing to destroy most groups of people on this earth. The barbaric influences of westerners have created more undermining situations than any listed in this book.”

    posted Sunday, July 13 2008 ( | view 3 replies )
  • eblue

    eblue said:

    “the following comment is a reply to dig d's comment posted 3weeks ago.”

    posted Saturday, July 5 2008
  • Elizabeth a

    elizabeth a said:

    “Great African novel a classic to say the least. Not surprised that some people would want to gorge or gauge their eyes out... you have to open your mind to the experience of a different culture to appreciate it if you are not weaned on "coco yam and cola nut". The book is about the inevitability of change... the lone tale of a man who struggled so hard to make a name in the old order only to find that a new reality was in place of his cherished traditions. I agree with brandy c that there is no white guilt here at all only African truth and reality... if you take every line at face value you could miss the point in the novel and the use of poetry, African imagery and proverbs (the sun shines on those who stand under it before it shines on those who kneel under it’) robs many a reader of the chance to appreciate the story - but again that’s the beauty of it all... Chinua Achebe captures the African experience like only a few can.... no fast cars and the neon lights we are all so familiar with. Nice read and I would recommend it any time.”

    posted Friday, July 4 2008
  • Mrs. Conti

    mrs. conti said:

    “I didn't get into this book until about 100 pages in. One of the characters started talking about African folk tales and I just loved that part. From there the main character began to develop more so I enjoyed the book. Overall, the ending just made the book worth reading.”

    posted Thursday, July 3 2008
  • Wooliferkins

    wooliferkins said:

    “Read this after reading a review in the Jordanian English language paper and recommendations from here. Loved it, not a comfortable read but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Actually chuckled previously having read Poisonwood Bible. Soldier on Mark h, it's fiction it doesn't need to be draped on points in history. Would you need to know which war a press ganged sailor was at to appraise his feelings? I think it's worth the effort but we're allowed to be different. That's possibly another reason to finish it.”

    posted Tuesday, June 24 2008 ( | view 1 reply )
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