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Things Fall Apart and Related Readings

chinua achebe

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Things Fall Apart
The choice: traditional or alien culture?
novel by Chinua Achebe
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poem by William Butler Yeats
Genesis 22: 1-19
The Sacrifice of Isaac Father, son, and God's will
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Mother Was a Great Man
The story of a strong Ibo woman
short story by Catherine
Obianuju Acholonu
Prayer to Masks
A promise of the masked spirits
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Shooting an Elephant
The dirty work of empires
essay by George Orwell
The Significance of a Veteran's Day
How to survive "progress"
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Able, Baker, Charlie, Dog
An officer and his loving daughter
short story by Stephanie Vaughn
Exiles
Where can you go when you must go away?
poem by Mark Strand

222 pages, Hardcover

First published March 25,1996

This edition

Format
222 pages, Hardcover
Published
March 25, 1996 by McDougal Littell
ISBN
ASIN
Language
English

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About the author

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chinua achebe

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Works, including the novel Things Fall Apart (1958), of Nigerian writer Chinua Achebe describe traditional African life in conflict with colonial rule and westernization.

This poet and critic served as professor at Brown University. People best know and most widely read his first book in modern African literature.

Christian parents in the Igbo town of Ogidi in southeastern Nigeria reared Achebe, who excelled at school and won a scholarship for undergraduate studies. World religions and traditional African cultures fascinated him, who began stories as a university student. After graduation, he worked for the Nigerian broadcasting service and quickly moved to the metropolis of Lagos. He gained worldwide attention in the late 1950s; his later novels include No Longer at Ease (1960), Arrow of God (1964), A Man of the People (1966), and Anthills of the Savannah (1987). Achebe defended the use of English, a "language of colonizers," in African literature. In 1975, controversy focused on his lecture An Image of Africa: Racism in Conrad's "Heart of Darkness" for its criticism of Joseph Conrad as "a bloody racist."

When the region of Biafra broke away from Nigeria in 1967, Achebe, a devoted supporter of independence, served as ambassador for the people of the new nation. The war ravaged the populace, and as starvation and violence took its toll, he appealed to the people of Europe and the Americas for aid. When the Nigerian government retook the region in 1970, he involved in political parties but witnessed the corruption and elitism that duly frustration him, who quickly resigned. He lived in the United States for several years in the 1970s, and after a car accident left him partially disabled, he returned to the United States in 1990.

Novels of Achebe focus on the traditions of Igbo society, the effect of Christian influences, and the clash of values during and after the colonial era. His style relied heavily on the Igbo oral tradition, and combines straightforward narration with representations of folk stories, proverbs, and oratory. He also published a number of short stories, children's books, and essay collections. He served as the David and Marianna Fisher university professor of Africana studies at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, United States.

ollowing a brief illness, Achebe died.

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Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 32 votes)
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11(34%)
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15(47%)
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32 reviews All reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly .
Erdogank
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I have truly relished reading "Things Fall Apart".

It was an experience that felt as if I was delving into a captivating folk tale from the bygone era.

The author has penned this masterpiece in a manner that makes it seem as if it is being narrated by the wise elders or the talented storytellers of yesteryears, long before the advent of television and even the printed books.

The vivid descriptions and the engaging plot transport the reader to a different world, filled with unique cultures, traditions, and values.

It allows us to gain a deeper understanding of the people and their way of life during that particular time period.

"Things Fall Apart" is not just a book; it is a window into the past, a story that has the power to touch our hearts and minds.

It is a literary gem that will be cherished for generations to come.

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Kahyo
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This was fine.

It's not the worst thing I've had to read for class, but it's definitely not the best either.

On one hand, it didn't completely bore me to tears or make me want to pull my hair out. The content was somewhat understandable and had a few interesting points.

However, on the other hand, it lacked that certain something that would have made it truly engaging and memorable.

The writing style was a bit平淡无奇, and the ideas weren't presented in a particularly innovative or exciting way.

Overall, it was just an average piece of reading material that I got through for the sake of fulfilling my class requirements.

But I can't help but hope that in the future, I'll come across something more captivating and thought-provoking.
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Atheist__Knight
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I don't quite understand the fuss.

In fact, I don't understand the fuss at all. This was a quick, absorbing read.

The story had a certain charm that kept me engaged from start to finish.

However, I believe I enjoyed it more anthropologically than as a work of fiction.

It provided interesting insights into different cultures and ways of life.

The characters and their experiences seemed to offer a window into a world that I might not otherwise have had access to.

Perhaps this is why I was more drawn to the anthropological aspects of the book.

Rather than simply being entertained by the fictional plot, I found myself learning and reflecting on the broader human context.

Overall, while it may not have been a traditional work of fiction that blew me away, it did offer a unique and thought-provoking reading experience.

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zolbard
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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It was an extremely good book.

I had never in my wildest imagination thought that they would believe in their traditions to such an extent.

I'm really not certain which side I ought to choose to support.

The white people were attempting to assist. They constructed the court, the church, and a community centre.

However, they also compelled the Africans to forget what they had believed in.

It is indeed true that their traditions, their way of believing in God, might have been incorrect in some aspects, but...

I don't know. It truly confused me!

Overall, it was a remarkable book that made me think deeply about various aspects of culture, belief, and the impact of one group on another.

It presented a complex and thought-provoking situation that left me with a lot to ponder.

I would highly recommend this book to others who are interested in exploring such themes.
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Superlazer
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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A great testimony against organized religions.

It is truly an eye-opening piece that challenges the very essence of what organized religions claim to be.

I really enjoyed reading this as it presents a perspective that is often overlooked.

It makes one question the motives and actions of those who belong to organized religions.

Moreover, I firmly believe that all missionaries should read this before embarking on their journey to impoverished countries to convert people.

They need to understand the potential harm that their actions might cause and the cultural and social implications of their conversions.

By reading this testimony, missionaries can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the situation and make more informed decisions.

It is essential that they approach their work with respect and sensitivity, rather than imposing their beliefs on others.

Only then can they truly make a positive impact and bring about meaningful change in the lives of those they seek to help.

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kingdumbhearts
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This was an extremely intriguing book.

It delved deep into revealing a wealth of information regarding the gender relations that prevailed in Africa. It also explored the diverse and fascinating beliefs about deities that were held by the people.

However, the most significant aspect of this book was that it brought into sharp perspective the point of view of a native African. This individual had directly experienced the arrival of Europeans into Africa.

The insights provided by this native African were truly eye-opening. They offered a unique and valuable perspective on a historical event that had a profound impact on the continent.

Reading this book was not only an interesting journey but also a learning experience that broadened one's understanding of Africa's past and the complex dynamics that existed during that time.

It made one realize the importance of considering multiple perspectives when studying history and how these different viewpoints can enhance our overall comprehension of a particular subject.

Overall, this was a remarkable book that left a lasting impression on the reader.
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animiya
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This is my second encounter with this book. The first time was last year when I read it with my mother, and now I am reading it with my class. Just from the title, it's evident that this book doesn't have a happy ending.

However, delving into the culture and heritage of these African villages is truly captivating. The first reading didn't provide the same level of understanding as the second one. This book is truly remarkable.

On February 9, 09, I completed this book for the second time. Surprisingly, reading it with my tenth-grade class and Ms. Aguda enhanced my comprehension. A single person converting to another culture can wipe out an entire culture. Such actions destroy everything that is crucial to a native culture and can even lead to someone's death.

It makes one realize the importance of preserving and respecting different cultures. This book serves as a powerful reminder of the delicate balance between cultures and the consequences of not safeguarding them.

Overall, it has been a thought-provoking and enlightening experience to read this book twice.
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Falcoish
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Fascinating and quick read on the Igbo people of West Africa during the middle of the 19th century.

Picked as the novel that AcDec students must read in 2017 - 18, I found it to be an eye-opening and informative piece. It laid the groundwork for a year in which I hope our school's team members (and I) will learn a great deal more about West African history and culture.

This was Achebe's first novel, and it truly served as an excellent introduction for me to a continent about which I really know very little, save for the Americanized views of a people who have been subjected to the destruction by the West.

Reading this novel has made me realize how much more there is to discover and understand about the rich and diverse cultures of West Africa. It has piqued my curiosity and has motivated me to delve deeper into the history and traditions of the Igbo people and the region as a whole.

I look forward to sharing my newfound knowledge with my classmates and engaging in discussions that will further enhance our understanding of this fascinating part of the world.
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