1 star

I read this book for school, and I have to say that I am extremely grateful to have finished it. The ending was just awful! It completely ruined the entire experience for me.

This book was definitely not to my taste. I found it boring and unengaging from start to finish. The characters were not well-developed, and the plot was predictable. I just couldn't get into it at all.

I would not recommend this book to anyone. There are so many other great books out there that are much more interesting and enjoyable to read. Save your time and find something else to read instead.

The sun will rise on those who stand before it rises on those who prostrate themselves beneath their feet.

This simple yet profound statement holds a certain truth. Those who are upright and ready to face the new day with determination and courage are the ones who will be the first to witness the beauty and warmth of the rising sun.

Standing represents a posture of strength and preparedness. It shows that one is not afraid to confront the challenges that come with a new day. On the other hand, prostrating oneself beneath the feet can imply submission or a lack of initiative.

However, it is important to note that this does not mean that those who prostrate themselves are any less worthy. Each person has their own way of approaching life and dealing with its difficulties.

In conclusion, whether one chooses to stand or prostrate, the important thing is to be true to oneself and to face each day with a positive attitude.

Tyrants have a strange allure that seems to attract even greater tyrants. It's a phenomenon that is both fascinating and disturbing.

For me, it's completely impossible to care about a bunch of self-aggrandizing assholes who engage in such heinous acts as selling their daughters and beating their wives.

These individuals have no regard for the basic rights and dignity of others, and their actions are a blight on society.

Rather than wasting my time and energy on them, I choose to focus on those who are working towards positive change and making a difference in the world.

Only by standing up against tyranny and injustice can we hope to create a better future for ourselves and for generations to come.

In this article, we explore the captivating story that unfolds in a Nigerian setting. The title "Things Fall Apart" is a precise and vivid description of a society's downfall. The protagonist, Okonkwo, is a strong and determined young man who builds his reputation based on strength, perseverance, and hard work, in contrast to the laziness and drunkenness of his father. However, this is just the surface. The author delves deeper into the details of an entire community, its rituals, beliefs, customs, traditions, ways of life, values, and enforced laws, all centered around the myths they believe in. The author presents this in a smooth language, enriched with vivid examples and engaging stories, allowing us to see many aspects of that culture. Then, things start to fall apart.

One of the interesting aspects of this novel is the arrival of the white man and the introduction of Christianity into the region. The cultural comparisons and contrasts that the author presents are remarkable, and the narrative that follows this arrival is both enjoyable and rich.

The structure of the novel is solid, and the development of the plot and characters is excellent, especially with that precise ending. The author successfully weaves a story that gives the reader an almost complete picture of the society/tribe, its culture, its shock due to civilization, and the effects of that shock.

However, the translation could have been much better. The use of footnotes for explanations instead of referring to the last pages for understanding the translated word would have been more beneficial. Also, the writing could have been improved.

\\n  
The living fire begets cold, impotent ash\\n

Chinua Achebe's work is a significant tome that essentially shows the world how Europe has managed to export a rather shallow perception of manhood. Written in 1958, the definitions of what makes a strong and successful leader or man in a tribe are distressingly familiar.

Surprisingly for me, this turned out to be a novel about colonization, albeit perhaps not in the way one might initially expect. I view it like this: What did I think Achebe intended to convey with this novel, and what did he actually say in terms of my interpretation? Because what I got from reading it was the idea of assimilation.

This is a novel filled with negatives. Achebe creates images of tribal life as being backward. There are large numbers of people who are depicted as lazy, ignorant, weak, greedy, superstitious, cruel, brutal, inhumane, supine, and entitled. Okonkwo, the anti-hero, has serious psychopathic tendencies. He is a narcissist with an exaggerated sense of self and his standing within his community. He is the worst kind of misogynist, a casual one. To me, he seems more like a misanthrope, with his anger directed at his wives whom he views as his property. The misogyny is more of a tribal culture and part of the entitlement mentioned earlier. But his hatred extends to all people, not just women. He is a bully. He craves respect yet has none for anyone else. He believes himself to be a leader, but his realization of his place in the world comes to a sudden end, and I imagine no one mourns his passing. His one redeeming quality is his drive and determination. I found myself wondering if Achebe had read "Native Son" written almost 20 years earlier, as Okonkwo is like Bigger Thomas with a work ethic.

Overall, classics for me are like time capsules. I try to approach them while keeping in mind the time they were written and the environment, culture, and mood that influenced the author. I'm not sure. To be honest, I didn't particularly like this novel. Assimilation. Nigerian culture is represented in ways that I envision the British would understand (although, to be fair, my culture is neither Nigerian nor British, so I have no personal experience to base my judgment on). There is the successful implantation of patriarchy, religion, misogyny, envy, Christian values (strangely, the tribe seems to be full of them even though the British haven't arrived yet), drug use (intoxication), envy, mental health issues (depression, narcissism), and the list goes on. For me, this was both slightly disappointing and fascinating. It's a very interesting classic that left me with many questions about representation.

3.5 Stars rounded up

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There is nothing better than going to a writer whose name you have never heard before and when you read his first book, you see a masterpiece!

It's like stumbling upon a hidden treasure. You have no preconceived notions or expectations, and yet, as you turn the pages, you are completely captivated by the story, the characters, and the writing style.

The unknown writer has the ability to surprise you, to take you on a journey you never thought possible. Their fresh perspective and unique voice can breathe new life into the literary world.

Discovering such a writer is a truly magical experience, one that can change your perception of literature and leave you eagerly anticipating their next work.

"Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold” is a profound line from Yeats's poem "The Second Coming". Fifty years after Chinua Achebe penned this seemingly simple Nigerian tragedy, "Things Fall Apart" has remained continuously in print. It is widely regarded as Africa's most renowned work of literature, and it's not hard to understand why.

At the core of the story is the powerful Okonkwo, driven by an intense need to prove himself, both to himself and his tribe. He must rise above the disreputable reputation of his drunkard and irresponsible father. While Okonkwo can easily conquer enemies through wrestling, chopping, or killing, his stubborn pride and anger clash with and ultimately fail to overcome those aspects of life that are not so easily dealt with: providence, family, and tribal laws.

The allure of "Things" for me lies in watching Okonkwo's encounters with a traditional village. I was both fascinated and repulsed by its customs, mores, and the overall precarious harmony. The title's appropriateness is evident in the extreme delicacy of that tribal balance, which is shaken to its very core by the arrival of the English missionaries. Everything that Okonkwo understood the world to be changes with the introduction of Christianity and Western civilization. It is a clash not only of one individual against his own society and a foreign power but also of two completely opposed cultures. You rarely find so much carefully contained conflict in a book of this size. It's truly remarkable!

Chinua Achebe wrote this masterpiece before most African nations declared their independence. Since then, the Dark Continent has witnessed rivers of bloodshed. One wonders when all the suffering will end and prays for an end to it. Such a sacred place with beautiful people, in many ways like the Garden of Eden. Long live Africa!

Thanks to Ginnie for the link from The Economist about the Golden Jubilee of "Things Fall Apart".

23 November 2008: I'm nearly done, and I'm so eager to start writing my review of this incredible book. But at the same time, I know I need to let it "gel". I want to write about "Things Fall Apart" because it awakens and stirs up so many thoughts and feelings within me. It reminds me of every other book I've read about Africa, yet it is unique.

Ah well... self-control, booklady!

Africa, the enchanting, neglected beautiful continent, a land pulsating with life and filled with events. It is the mysterious continent, the cradle of humanity and the origin of its civilization, preserving its customs and traditions in a fascinating way. It is a crucial source for the original human being, with its nature and unique way of life.

African literature is one of the most important (neglected) literatures in the world for very many reasons. This continent only recently gained its freedom after being imprisoned by injustice, occupation, and tyranny. But once you look at the nature of this literature, you will find pure magic in it.

Importantly, we have a Nigerian novel (and my previous experience with this literature was very fruitful, especially with the novel "Half of a Yellow Sun"). This novel was the favorite of the leader Nelson Mandela, and rightfully so. In it, there is a noble human sense, that original sense, where the pure human being confronts without any taint from civilization or the artifice of modern civic actions.

The novel is about tribes and customs, about primitive wars, and above all, it is a novel about the society of the mother nature, that society where you must protect yourself and build yourself with all the talents and strength you have.

The novel is about a tribe called (Oby) and its hero is a character named (Okonkwo): the heroic fighter and the just and tough husband. In other words, it is a portrayal of a complete primitive life. The author depicts the development of the hero's life, using it as a reflection on the life of an entire people.

In my opinion, this is a very important novel. It truly deserves its place in the history of world literature. It has a brilliant portrayal and a noble national sense. The author not only presented specific literary events but also presented his society with all its brilliance and succeeded in conveying that brilliance completely and in a way that is enviable.

The translation was good in my opinion, indicating the greatness of the original text. The author's skill is clear in presenting the human being and all the emotions and feelings that occur within him.

Y'know, there are times when you pick up a novel and from the very first page, you can sense that it's going to be something truly remarkable. Something that is so stark and bare, laying out the harsh realities of life and human nature in all their depravity. And you just know that this book is going to stay with you for a very long time. Well, guys, it's happened to me. It's truly happened.

This novel has completely ruined me in the best possible way. Ugh, it's so great, yet at the same time, it's so horribly captivating. It's like a "terrible beauty", just as Yeats would describe it. It's a book that demands to be read, that makes you face the uncomfortable truths and emotions within yourself. It wrecks you, but in the process, it also makes you realize its profound importance.

So, I urge you all to read this novel. Let it take you on a journey that will change you forever. Let it wreck you and then let you bathe in its significance. You won't regret it.

I have an unwavering love for classics.

Classics, by any other name, are those remarkable "books that are so good that they manage to stick around for an incredibly long time, perhaps even a bajillion years."

Whenever I engage with them, I always end up learning something new. It makes me feel smart and gives me a great sense of enjoyment.

In a particular instance, I not only gained knowledge about the colonization of Africa, missionaries, and Nigeria but also delved deep into the aspects of people, masculinity, and society.

It was truly an awesome experience.

The bottom line is that the project of rereading books that I only half-read when they were assigned to me is a great one.

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pre-review

Some books are truly classics for a reason.

Review to come / at least 4 stars

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tbr review

Sometimes I like to add the books that I half-read in school to my to-be-read (TBR) list and pretend that I'll return to them. It's just for fun.

Update: Surpassing my own expectations

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Reading books by Black authors for Black History Month!

Book 1: caste

Book 2: business not as usual

Book 3: the color purple

Book 4: the parking lot attendant

Book 5: kindred

Book 6: wrapped up in you

Book 7: the boyfriend project

Book 8: a song below water

Book 9: filthy animals

Book 10: passing

Book 11: seven days in june

Book 12: ayiti

Book 13: notes of a native son

Book 14: mediocre

Book 15: sister outsider

Book 16: the blue road

Book 17: the fastest way to fall

Book 18: real life

Book 19: girl, woman, other

Book 20: things fall apart

This book vividly unfolds the tragic tale of Okwonko, a member of the Ibo tribe (now known as Igbo) in the fictional Nigerian village of Umuofio during the late 1800s.

It delves deep into the tribal culture both before and after the arrival of the British colonial representatives and Christian missionaries. Okwonko hails from a humble background, which he blames on his father's laziness and lack of courage. His father passed away in poverty and disgrace, compelling Okwonko to fend for himself at a young age. Fearful of emulating his father, Okwonko depends on strength and hard work to achieve prestige in his village. His self-image is intricately linked to his need to assert and safeguard his masculinity. He and his three wives reside in a compound of multiple buildings with their numerous children. He is quick-tempered, beats his wives, and suppresses his and his sons' emotions.

As Achebe portrays him: "Perhaps down in his heart Okonkwo was not a cruel man. But his whole life was dominated by fear, the fear of failure and of weakness. It was deeper and more intimate than the fear of evil and capricious gods and of magic, the fear of the forest, and of the forces of nature, malevolent, red in tooth and claw. Okwonko's fear was greater than these. It was not external but lay deep within himself. It was the fear of himself, lest he should be found to resemble his father."

Achebe adopts a third-person narrator, following the tradition of a storyteller. The narrator's style is colloquial, incorporating proverbs, folklore, and songs to narrate Okwonko's story. It seems as if he is looking back at the past, relating the facts of what transpired in Okwonko's life and how he responded to the many changes brought about by the arrival of colonial agents. The story is told in a straightforward manner, using the kind of language that would be found in stories passed down through oral history. Ibo words and phrases are used generously, and a glossary of terms is provided at the back of the book, although the meaning can usually be deduced from the context.

The book is divided into three sections. In the first, Okwonko is introduced, and his major life events are recounted. The village life is described in terms of its customs, ceremonies, rites of passage, music, tribal religion, relationship with nature, personal chi, laws, social hierarchy, methods of settling disputes, means of communication, relationship with nature, and gender-based roles. This section gradually lays the foundation for the subsequent sections. The village clan lives in harmony with nature. They handle internal disputes peacefully and abide by the council's decisions. Punishments, such as exile, are imposed for violating the social norms. The second part of the book describes one such period of exile. The third part depicts the clash of civilizations when the colonial powers arrive and its impact on Okwonko.

The brilliance of this book lies in Achebe's ability to present the tribal society in a way that is comprehensible to the reader. Although we may not concur with the practices of the Ibo society (where wife beating is tolerated and twin babies are discarded as evil spirits), we understand how their society functions within its own framework of rationality. We witness the basis for the miscommunications that lead to hostility. For such a concise work (just over 200 pages), it covers a wide range of topics and offers an intimate portrayal of tribal life. Be prepared for "woman" to be used as a derogatory term in this patriarchal society, although the feminine is also regarded as "Nneka – Mother is Supreme." This is a quintessentially cultural work told from the perspective of those experiencing massive change as they cling to traditions and struggle to adapt. Published in 1958, it is regarded as a modern classic. It is undoubtedly worth reading, and I regret not having read it sooner.

**"LE COSE CAMBIANO, CROLLANO" - A Deep Dive into Achebe's Work**

LE COSE CAMBIANO, CROLLANO



Achebe's role in African literature is truly impossible to circumscribe. It's like attempting to define how Shakespeare influenced English writers or Pushkin influenced Russian ones. His first novel, Il crollo (1958), which is also known as Le cose crollano, is the start of a trilogy that includes Non più tranquilli (1960) and the famous La freccia di dio (1964). This first novel has sold over ten million copies, been translated into 50 languages, and is a textbook in many schools across the African continent.



The trilogy tells the story of the encounter between the white man and the black man, specifically the English colonizers and the Igbo community, Achebe's people. We've seen this community in photos and reports on Biafra (1966), perhaps the first images of malnourished children with wide eyes and swollen bellies to reach the West. In the novel, the proud Okonkwo refuses until death to make peace with the invader, the white man. His story is set at the beginning of the century when the brief epic of Biafra took place, so in the early 1900s.



Achebe doesn't present the "noble savage" meeting the vile invader. His Okonkwo is a true savage, governed by rules and laws far from those of the whites, but also from those the whites can only conceive. Yet, the whites in the past were also tied to the cycle of the earth and the seasons. Achebe doesn't divide his universe into good blacks and bad whites. Okonkwo is violent with his wives, loves his children but doesn't shy away from the ritual sacrifice of his adopted son Ikemefuna. He is impatient, judges male indolence as a feminine personality trait, doesn't get along with his clan, is a bellicose warrior, wins every wrestling match, and drinks palm wine from the skull of his first victim. The black man couldn't have remained so primitive forever.



The white invader doesn't come with weapons but more subtly asks for a bit of land to build his church. It's from the white man's church that the conquest (colonization) begins. Achebe uses the language of the invader, English, but leaves ample space for his own terms, proverbs, and metaphors, even requiring a final glossary. The guilt of the white man is known but never emphasized and recognized enough: deciding that his culture is superior to others. The guilt of the black man is submitting to a new religion and accepting new rules that didn't belong to him, being dominated by the locusts, the whites, and perhaps also trusting too much in his magic.



Sulla copertina dell’edizione più recente.