There are no fictional stories. The world has no end, and what is good for one people is evil measured by other peoples.

This profound statement by Chenua Achebe makes us reflect on the complexity of our world. It reminds us that our perception of right and wrong is often influenced by our cultural, social, and personal backgrounds. What may seem like a virtuous act in one society could be considered immoral in another.

We live in a globalized era where different cultures and values intersect. It is essential to approach these differences with an open mind and a willingness to understand. By doing so, we can avoid making hasty judgments and instead strive for a more inclusive and harmonious world.

Chenua Achebe's words serve as a powerful reminder that we should always be aware of the relativity of our beliefs and actions. We should respect the diversity of the world and work towards building bridges between different cultures and peoples.

In conclusion, let us embrace the wisdom of Chenua Achebe and strive to create a world where everyone's values and perspectives are respected and celebrated.

This was my very first encounter with a book penned by a truly African author, excluding Nagib Mahfuz (an Egyptian Arab) and J.M. Coetzee (an English-speaking South African). Interestingly, Chinua Achebe chose to write this work in English instead of his native Igbo language.

The book presents the reader with a vivid portrayal of the life of the Umuofia clan in what is now Southeast Nigeria, just on the verge of colonialism. The White man had already set up bases along the coast, but had not yet reached the village of Okonkwo, the central figure of the novel. Hailing from a poor family, Okonkwo is a self-made man, boasting three wives, a storage filled with yams and palm-wine, and the ambition to attain the highest "title" in the village.

Oh, let's forget about retelling the book. You can easily find a summary on various internet portals. What truly matters here is my perception of it. I had anticipated a scathing indictment of colonialism. However, two-thirds of the novel is dedicated to narrating the events and anecdotes of the clan's life, real life with all its nuances. These are not "noble savages" but genuine people with their daily joys and sorrows. What I also did not expect were the brutal customs such as human sacrifice, the killing of twins and those with certain illnesses, the existence of "untouchables" and slaves. It is thus not surprising that some members of the clan view the arrival of missionaries and the egalitarian Christian belief as a form of salvation. And as long as the missionaries do not force their faith upon the people and their trading post brings prosperity to the entire village, a peaceful coexistence is feasible. There are even religious disputes between the Christian reverend and the clan chief. But everything begins to crumble and peace comes to an end when force and violence enter the picture from both sides with the arrival of a new, unyielding missionary: He saw things as black and white. And black was evil.

The novel contains strong autobiographical elements. Achebe's granduncle was a traditional clan chief, while his father became a Christian catechist. It was an interesting read and I do not regret the time spent on it, but it did not truly ignite my passion and I will probably not read the other books of the "African Trilogy".

Achebe's work is truly a tour de force, yet it presents a plain tale simply told. He illustrates and explains rather than judges, offering a moving and deeply human story of change and disintegration. Set in Nigeria in the nineteenth century, it chronicles the life of Okonkwo and his family and community. Okonkwo, firmly tied to his culture and tradition, strives to be different from his father. He is strong, proud, and struggles to express his feelings. His courage and rashness lead him into trouble with his community and traditions.

The book also documents the arrival of Christian missionaries in the area and their effects, particularly in attracting those who are outcast and of low status. Okonkwo's fate is tragic, representing the destruction of his culture.

I have been perplexed by some of the negative reviews that seem to miss the point. They claim it is too alien, too simple, or badly written. However, part of Achebe's genius lies in his ability to tell the tale like all great writers. He explains when necessary and creates nuanced characters. The white missionaries are not one-dimensional or unthinking; they are simply convinced of their rightness. Okonkwo, too, is nuanced, unable to show the emotions he clearly has, especially towards his daughter, and so eager to be strong and lead that he lacks the compassion of his peers.
Achebe does not pass judgment; he simply charts the decline of a culture. He does not suggest that one side is entirely good or bad. There are elements that shock, such as the treatment of twins, and areas of great strength. The brilliance of this work lies in its capturing of a period of change and cataclysm in the Ibo culture, while also being a simple story of the father/son relationship. Achebe powerfully demonstrates that, like many of the greatest authors, he has the ability to convey complex ideas simply.

This makes his work accessible and engaging, yet still profound and thought-provoking. It is a must-read for anyone interested in African literature, culture, or the human experience.

People were truly onto something remarkable when they deemed this one a classic.

This particular work has clearly left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of many. It possesses a certain allure and charm that has endured through the ages.

Perhaps it is the masterful storytelling, the richly developed characters, or the profound themes that resonate so deeply.

Whatever the reason, it has stood the test of time and continues to be revered and studied.

It serves as a testament to the power of great art and literature to inspire, move, and shape our understanding of the world.

As we look back on this classic, we can't help but be in awe of its enduring legacy and the impact it has had on generations of readers.

It is a shining example of what can be achieved when talent, passion, and creativity come together in perfect harmony.

And it will no doubt continue to be cherished and celebrated for many years to come.

In this classic tale, Okonkwo is not only a strong man in his village but also in the region of nine villages. At the young age of 18, he achieved a remarkable feat by beating the reigning wrestling champion. Throughout his life, he has been an extremely industrious worker, which is a direct reaction to his lazy and drunkard father. He lives his life strictly within the cultural confines of his limited world. He follows the laws that govern his society without question and accepts the religious faith of his surroundings. He acts based on these, even when those actions might seem abhorrent to us in the modern west.

While he may experience both success and failure within the boundaries of his society's laws, what he is completely unable to do is adapt himself when the world undergoes a dramatic transformation. In this case, his hometown is revolutionized when white missionaries establish a base and bring with them the powerful firepower of western weapons. Unable to cope with this new situation and unable to channel his justifiable rage into constructive actions, he is inevitably led to his doom.

This book tells a simple yet profound tale. The details of Okonkwo's experiences gradually accumulate, painting a vivid picture of his times and his culture. As a result, we can understand what is at stake when change arrives. It makes us wonder if it is a warning to us about our own inability to see beyond the limitations of our culture. How will we deal with change when it comes, regardless of its form?

I found it a bit challenging to keep track of all the characters. In this case, a diagram of a family tree would likely be very useful. However, ultimately, this is not of utmost importance. What truly matters is that we gain a sense of Okonkwo's world and the impact of the West's arrival in an African society. This book is widely regarded as a classic, and there are good reasons for it.

There is a wonderful video of John Green talking about the book. It is a must-see. In fact, you could do much worse than skipping the above review entirely and checking out Green's video. And there is a second episode of his video on the book as well. So, go ahead and explore them.

In 2013, Salon republished a wonderful 2010 essay, "Chinua Achebe: The man who rediscovered Africa," on the news of his passing.

This is a truly remarkable book.

At the beginning, I wasn't fully aware of its goodness. However, as I approached the end, I began to realize its true value. The beginning sets the stage for the end, and the end provides a perspective and purpose to the beginning.

I started with some reservations about the book, and they never completely disappeared. The book takes a stance of distance, explaining the culture and the central protagonist from a viewpoint that differentiates itself from what is being presented.

The narrative voice allows the reader to see, albeit not blatantly or obviously, that the author acknowledges the reader's possible lack of understanding or support for the behavior and beliefs of the characters. It also emphasizes the importance of understanding them despite their differences.

In other words, the book makes "the other" less foreign but still clearly distinct. It reminds us that the abuse of these others by missionaries and colonists was due in part to a failure of cultural understanding and a failure to recognize their humanity.

The book does not suggest that the people should not have been converted or their culture reformed, but rather that the way history unfolded was a tragedy caused by ignorance and cold-heartedness. It does not deny the bad aspects of the traditional culture nor does it try to hide or apologize for them. Instead, it views them with a curious and interested, yet somewhat distanced, sympathy.

One thing I appreciate about the book is that it prompts inquisitive thought without providing easy answers. It also delves into ethical grey areas.

Another aspect I like is the inclusion of some inessential material, which gives the book life and a sense of authenticity. These details, such as the description of Okonkwo's daughter Ezinma's rare moments of depression, add depth to the characters and make the reader feel as if they are living among the people.

However, it is a strange thing to realize that with Okonkwo as the central character, it is actually the people around him who are more human and interesting, at least until the climax. I'm still not sure how to respond to this, but it adds an interesting layer to the book.

Overall, this is a thought-provoking and engaging book that offers a unique perspective on culture, history, and human nature.

I finally read this book - the 50th Anniversary Edition. THANK YOU for the book Loretta!!! I'm sorry it took me so long to read it!!!!

The timing was interesting for me as well. I had just read "NW" by Zadie Smith, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and a couple of James Baldwin books recently. Plus, yesterday was Martin Luther King's day. African identity, nationalism, decolonization, racism, sexism, competing cultural systems, languages, and dialogue, social political issues have been in my space!!

I didn't know what to expect. "May be Africa's best-loved novel...For so many readers around the world, it is Chinua Achebe who opened up the magic casements of African fiction" ----by Kwame Anthony Appiah.

After reading this book, like thousands and thousands of others around the world, I felt disturbed and conflicted when I read lines like this: "I will not have a son who cannot hold up his head in the gathering of the clan. I would sooner strangle him with my own hands. And if you stand staring at me like that, he swore, Amadiora will break your head for you". I also wanted to read more about Kwame Anthony Appiah. He taught philosophy and African American studies at Yale and Harvard and helped give me a broader understanding of this book. He studied ethics around the world and his thoughts on "kindness to strangers" made sense to me. It is not for us to save the poor and starving, but up to their own governments. Nation-states must assume responsibility for their citizens.

In "Things Fall Apart", western culture is portrayed as arrogant and ethnocentric. Their culture was vulnerable to the western civilization. With so much sadness and tragedy in his culture, growing up as he did in, China Achebe (who wrote in English), was amazing!!!!! He continues to have influence on other African novelists today, inspiring writers and readers around the world. It's never too late to read "Things Fall Apart".

2.5 ★

The drums were still beating, persistent and unchanging. Their sound was no longer a separate thing from the living village. It was like the pulsation of its heart. It throbbed in the air, in the sunshine, and even in the trees, and filled the village with excitement. - Chinua Achebe, Things Fall Apart

This remarkable book is filled with numerous contrasts. There is the opposition between colonialism and traditional culture, animism and Christianity, the masculine and the feminine, and the ignorant and the aware (though the determination of who is which depends on the perspective). Okonkwo, one of the most captivating characters in African fiction, embodies many traits that I find unlikable. He is abusive, misogynist, lacks patience and tolerance for the weak, and may even be overly ambitious. Yet, despite all his flaws, it is impossible not to feel a tinge of pity for him. After all, the life he knows, the life of his ancestors, is being brutally snatched away by the British settlers.

The book truly immerses the reader in the Igbo culture. Achebe masterfully presents the traditional culture, which is steeped in superstition but rich in context. I adored the inclusion of African proverbs and folk tales, as well as the details of the Igbo clan system. Achebe also showcases how tightly-knit precolonial African culture was and how, despite lacking the so-called civilized institutions, things functioned smoothly due to the community spirit and societal rules. The significance of ancestors in society is a crucial part of this, as seen in the quote: “The land of the living was not far removed from the domain of the ancestors. There was coming and going between them.”

Achebe manages to infuse some humour into such a bleak subject matter, a feat that seems quite common among African writers. However, as an African Christian myself, I find it difficult to come to terms with the horrific way Christianity was introduced to the African continent. Nevertheless, despite the lack of respect shown by the colonialists, it is hard to deny that some aspects of African tradition were outdated and people had the option to leave behind harmful traditions. For instance, in this book, the outcasts and the parents of twin babies (who had to kill their babies to prevent evil from entering the village) clearly found it easier to abandon tradition.

I believe this book was the first to make me realize the terrible impact of colonialism. It reminds me of Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s “The River Between,” which focuses on similar subject matter, albeit in a different part of the continent (Kenya). I would highly recommend both of these books to anyone interested in African culture and history.

The colonizers claim to bring you the true God, order, education, and laws. In other words, they assert that they are bestowing civilization upon you. They construct churches, schools, courts, and prisons. The life in a remote African village is expected to improve. However, there is one condition - you must comply and be grateful.

Gradually, though, you come to understand that these arrogant and ethnocentric individuals merely desire your land, natural resources, and for you to serve them. They have no interest in your language, religion, culture, customs, legends, and so on.

Even religion is exploited as a means to achieve their ultimate objective. In the long term, the social, political, and religious order of the community is being disrupted and destroyed, resulting in cultural disintegration. The protagonist, Okonkwo, cannot tolerate seeing 'things fall apart' as he realizes that resistance is pointless since the majority of his kinsmen are not prepared to fight - the invaders have ensured that.

The author reveals the ugly visage of imperialism.

That is why every empire is doomed to perish.

This is likely the first book by an African author that I have read. It is a significant work, a must-read as empires still persist.

I relished reading about the customs, traditions, and way of life of the Igbo community. Living in perfect harmony with flora, fauna, and natural forces is truly meaningful. And all the tales and legends frequently remembered and recounted by the Igbo people are simply astonishing.

This story is interesting as it讲述了一个关于当今尼日利亚的部落的故事，它从其传统文化、信仰和社会，转变为白人（在这种情况下是英国人）所强加的他们所谓的“文明进程”。它之所以有趣，恰恰是因为它既不美化以前的社会，也不妖魔化殖民化。它解释了基督教化为何起作用（因为有被轻视的社会群体或过于苛刻和难以接受的传统，而新宗教接纳了他们），以及这如何成为殖民政府的先锋，最终这些政府破坏了这些人的社会联系，最终破坏了他们的社会，使他们成为大都市的纯粹附属品。

我发现它可能太不连贯了，就好像历史是在以粗糙的片段呈现，但是我不知道这是否是因为非洲的叙事传统（或者更具体地说是阿契贝成长的那种传统）就是这样，而作者是在向它致敬。就我而言，这让我有点难以进入故事，尽管最后一部分（当白人突然出现在场景中时）我觉得非常有趣，也是我最喜欢的部分。

我认为这是那种会逐渐留下深刻印象的读物之一，它会留在我的脑海中，也许随着时间的推移，它的评价会不断提高。

Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart is widely regarded as one of the most outstanding works of post-colonial literature, and the reasons for this are not hard to fathom.

The novel is approximately divided into two parts. The first part vividly sketches the life and society of clans and tribes in the region that is now known as Nigeria. It provides a detailed and immersive portrayal of their customs, traditions, and social structures.

The second part delves into the profound changes brought about by the arrival of the European (specifically, British) colonialists. It shows how their religion and imposed institutions gradually eroded tribal relations and shattered the very social and cultural fabric of these populations.

Perhaps due to Achebe’s significant influence on several generations of African writers, it may seem a bit more challenging to be overly impressed with this novel in the present day. Its formula, which gives a voice and agency to people who were once either treated as mere props or, at worst, as racist caricatures, has been effectively utilized by many other writers. However, one must remember that this novel was written in the 1950s when most people in the West were still firmly convinced of their own superiority, even in those areas where empires had already crumbled.

It is also remarkable that Achebe’s criticism of colonialism is accompanied by a deep understanding of how and why some individuals were attracted to the changes introduced by the colonizers. This, when carefully considered, reveals colonialism to be an even more insidious phenomenon. It maintained its dominance not only through brute force but also by offering something, no matter how meager, in return, so that people could believe there was something to gain from it.

In conclusion, Things Fall Apart is a brilliant novel, exquisitely written and a must-read for everyone. It provides valuable insights into the complex and often tragic history of colonialism and its impact on African societies.