Things Fall Apart Chinua Achebe

by Gerald Moore

"One of a series of booklets accompanying BBC 'English by radio' programmes."

Genres: Fiction, Africa, Historical Fiction, Historical, Classics, Literature, Novels

10 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1974

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Reviews

[Henry Ozogula · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is easily the most famous novel in African history, written by an African, a fabled work. Considering the eminence of this book, there is really nothing to say, though I might state a few things that impressed me after another reading. The most outstanding aspect for me is how the author re-creates an old, pre-colonial west African society detailing the richness of language, customs, hierarchy, general way of life. Okonkwo, the main character is well rounded, and we can appreciate his strengths and weaknesses, and even the psychology behind his actions. It is sad and depressing the way the coming of the white man begins to destroy the fabric of this society, and Okonkwo for one just cannot accept it. Later in the work he and other notable elders are very much humiliated by officials of the new white system (government). Okonkwo cracks, reaches boiling point and decapitates one such official. It is an act of bravery and tomfoolery, as he discovers his people are not ready to fight...and his ignominy is cemented in the process. Will always be an unforgettable work.

[Brent Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been at least 20 years since I first read “Things Fall Apart” and discovered it's author, Chinua Archebe. The book must have resonated with others because today it is the most translated African work of all time. It has been translated into 50 languages and has sold over 8 million copies.
In “Things Fall Apart” the main character was Okonkwo from a village in Nigeria. He was a warrior, father, and husband. A single minded hard man. 

In the beginning of the book the Africans appeared uncivilized. As the book proceeded we understand that they were indeed a African tribe with strong traditions and values.

The dignity and humanity of their lives just falls away with the influence of the white missionaries and intruders, whose teachings are foreign to the tribe and of which resistance is impossible. The Christian salvation just doesn't resonate. 

Okonkwo can't change himself, and seems to be alone in his understanding of what is happening, and he commits suicide. The culture is lost and a civilization is lost. More on this book see reviews and also stories at www.connectedeventsmatter.com

[Dee Eisel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a fun book. This is not a happy book. This is a good book.

It will hurt your heart. It will make you think. I sincerely hope parents will read it and think about how they want to raise their children.

It's a quick read, which is a definite plus. But if you want a book which will make you smile, this may not be it.

[Rebecca Shellenberger- · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about the Igbo life. There are many traditions and values these people do. The main character, Okonkwo is a very fierce and determined man. He refuses to be like his father, who in his opinion is weak and useless since he doesn't do anything. Since childhood Okonkwo has prided himself with work. In this culture the ranking goes on whoever is stronger is more respected. This community is very tight and independent as the same time. There are many details on the culture. Life is fine until the white men come and start teaching about Christianity. At first, they are nice and respectful but then they are controlling.

I did not like this book. I didn't find the point of this. It was just random culture ritual that is squished in the main story (if you can call it that). I would recommend this book to people who want a quick read and not have to remember certain details for the book plot.

[Allen Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

we think in such different ways. then we kill each other with our religious beliefs.

[Isabella Di Giovanni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Master piece!!

[Bek Hyung Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

historical retelling of life in Nigerian Igbo society during the process of colonization by white Christian missionaries.

[Tiffany · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book for my English class, and I just don't think it was that effective. It had no meaning to me. The author kept introducing all these rituals, which I would remember and catalog, sure they were going to be important later on, but they weren't. It was just useless information. Neat and all, but not very effective for a book. The end of the book left me feeling... well, there was no feeling. It was just me, wondering why I had spent an hour reading such a pointless book.

[Linny · Rating 3 out of 5]

book group in Oct., classic model for African fiction, written in '50s, depicts everyday life in Ibu tribe, the details of mores, protocol, ends with heartbreaking disintegration/killings by missionaries and whites

[Ndiko Ngada · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely book,i enjoyed it

[Marc Udoff · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't like it when I had to read it...but I get the feeling I would like it more now

[Poornima · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very highly recommended read if you are simply looking for a well written book on an African culture.
http://bankingonbooks.blogspot.in/201...

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

great African literature.

[Chiamaka Chuke-okafor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grew up on this. Still amazing.

[Sally · Rating 2 out of 5]

Audiofile selection

Setting - Africa
This is a dated piece, I kept listening because of it's significance in African storytelling.

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nancy 0 stars; Ron liked