Things Fall Apart (1958) (edit title/settings)

• Rated 5 stars

“This is one of the only books I actually enjoyed reading in high school. It is about a man named Okonkwo in Nigeria and basically how "things fall apart" in his life in his tribe. I found it really interesting because of how it introduces a different culture and the theme of right and wrong when some people come to Okonkwo's tribe to try and teach them about Christianity. This is a book for older readers because of the content of the book and it's complicated themes. ”

• Rated 3 stars

“Most bogus ending ever”

• Rated 2 stars

“This book was awful and extremely annoying and tedious to read.”

• Rated 5 stars

“This slim, elegant novel was powerful in its simplicity.”

• Rated 3 stars

“Wonderfully and simply written, with subtle mythical undertones. I enjoyed Part One more than the rest of the book, as I felt that Okonkwo's exile from Umuofia seemed incongruent with the beginning of the story, but I suppose that's the point of hubris. Overall, I really liked it and will definitely re-read.”

• Rated 4 stars

“Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe centers around tribal life in Nigeria before and at the start of colonialism. The protagonist,Okonkwo, is a respected leader in the powerful Umuofia tribe of the Igbo people. From an early age, he has been ashamed of his lazy, effeminate and indebted father. Okonkwo’s determination to be different from his deceased father has motivated him to work hard, value strength and achieve wealth. Nevertheless, his fear of mediocrity causes him to be a fierce and inflexible man who brings trouble and sorrow to himself and his family. When the white missionaries come to convert the villagers to Christianity, cultural changes begin to occur that threaten Okonkwo’s high social status. He struggles to find his place in a society that is increasingly embracing westernization over traditional Ibgo values. Could Okonkwo adapt to a society that is not driven by social prestige?

Connections: This story provides an insight into the cultural traditions and beliefs of the Ibgo people. It also shows internal conflicts within the society, and how these caused outcast members to embrace western values. At the same time, the author successfully portrays the weaknesses and strengths of western culture. This book would supplement a language arts and social studies unit covering colonization or the conflict between societal expectations and self-worth. Due to the violence and complexity of the story, it is most appropriate at the high school level.
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• Rated 2 stars

“i feel like i'm missing something vital to my appreciation of this book. it also took me over two years to finish--not what i'd call a page-turner.
the first part was soooo long, for seemingly no reason. the characters didn't seem to develop, nor the plot. nothing seemed to matter until part II and especially part III of the book, but those were so short in comparison to the almost irrelevant length of part I... ”

• Rated 0 stars

“This is a good book about culture differences and the side effects of losing ones culture.”

• Rated 4 stars

“A story of adaptation under imperialization ”

• Rated 0 stars

“Chinua Achebe is one of the best known authors from Africa. This is a very interesting view of the tribal living. The life is difficult and demanding and gives on perspective of others' struggles. Life is not easy for anyone. Urban vs Rural etc. Old vs New. ”